ISLAMABAD: Security arrangements in Islamabad have been significantly stepped up as speculation grows that the city may host a second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran.
Senior police officials said preparations were accelerated following a meeting chaired by the deputy inspector general for logistics, during which authorities identified a shortage of manpower for the security plan.
Officials said roadwork had begun on the Islamabad Expressway to remove potholes and bumps, ensuring a smooth route from Nur Khan Airbase to the high-security Red Zone in the capital.
Additional police personnel deployed
Police have requested around 7,000 personnel from Punjab Police to assist with security duties. Officials said approximately 3,000 officers had already arrived in the capital on Thursday.
Accommodation for the additional personnel has been arranged at various sites, including Liaquat Gymnasium and a school in the F-7 sector.
The remaining officers are expected to arrive from several districts, including Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Sahiwal and Faisalabad.
Authorities have also requested support from the Pakistan Rangers and the Federal Constabulary.
High alert across the capital
Police officials said the capital had been placed on high alert, with security forces deployed at entry and exit points, checkpoints, sensitive locations and government installations.
The intelligence wings of the Special Branch and the Counter Terrorism Department have been tasked with increasing surveillance in slums, wooded areas, drainage channels, the city’s outskirts, bus terminals and other key locations.
Hotels and guest houses in the capital have also been placed under strict monitoring, with authorities instructed to verify the records of guests and visitors. Police have also been directed to establish additional checkpoints to monitor suspicious activity.
Contingency planning underway
Islamabad police held another consultation meeting on Thursday attended by all deputy inspectors general to review security arrangements in case the talks take place again in the city.
Officials said the meeting examined the security plan used during the first round of negotiations held on April 11–12 and agreed that similar measures would be implemented if another round is hosted in the capital.
Under the plan, around 6,000 Islamabad police personnel and 900 members of the Federal Constabulary would be deployed, alongside troops from the Pakistan Army and Rangers. Army units would secure the Red Zone and key installations, while paramilitary forces would guard high-security areas and checkpoints.
Authorities are also considering declaring a local holiday in Islamabad if delegations from Iran, the United States and other countries return for further negotiations.
Background to the talks
Pakistan hosted direct U.S.-Iran negotiations in Islamabad last weekend, marking the highest-level engagement between the two countries since the Iranian Revolution.
Despite nearly 21 hours of discussions, the talks concluded without a formal agreement, though both sides indicated they remained open to continuing dialogue.
U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier this week that negotiations could resume soon and suggested Pakistan was the preferred venue for further talks.
However, the Foreign Office of Pakistan said on Thursday that no date had yet been finalised for the next round of discussions.
The diplomatic efforts are taking place under a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran brokered on April 8 following more than a month of conflict. The truce is set to expire on April 22.