Pakistan Enhances Security Ahead of US-Iran Peace Talks: What You Need to Know

Increased Security Measures in Islamabad

Islamabad: In response to the announcement by US President Donald Trump regarding peace negotiations with Iran, Pakistan has significantly bolstered security measures in and around its capital.

The US and Iran previously engaged in direct discussions in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, but those talks ended without a resolution.

Trump shared on Truth Social that American negotiators would arrive in Pakistan on Monday for further discussions with Iran.

It remains uncertain if Vice President J D Vance will lead the American delegation, as he was present during the initial talks.

Trump informed Fox News that Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are en route to the Middle East. Witkoff, the Special Envoy, and Kushner, who is Trump's son-in-law, accompanied Vance during the first round of discussions.

Prior to Trump's announcement, officials in Islamabad and Rawalpindi had already indicated the impending arrival of foreign delegates for negotiations.

The Islamabad police announced via their official X account that the Red Zone and Extended Red Zone would be entirely closed to all traffic due to the foreign delegations.

Residents are advised to take alternative routes and cooperate with traffic authorities to maintain security and smooth traffic flow.

According to reports from the Express Tribune, over 10,000 police officers have been deployed, and more than 600 checkpoints have been established throughout Rawalpindi, which is adjacent to Islamabad.

These security protocols are also being enforced in the capital.

Authorities have declared that several sensitive areas around Nur Khan Airbase and Islamabad International Airport will be sealed starting from midnight Sunday. Nur Khan Airbase is located in Rawalpindi, while the airport is in Attock district, Punjab, requiring passengers to pass through Rawalpindi to reach Islamabad.

Given the extensive security measures in Rawalpindi, officials are taking no chances after Trump suggested he might visit Pakistan to sign an agreement with Iran.

The Express Tribune reported a complete ban on drone flights, pigeon flying, and aerial firing in Rawalpindi, aimed at ensuring the safety of aircraft transporting high-level foreign delegations.

A red alert has been issued in Rawalpindi, especially near Nur Khan Airbase and Islamabad Airport, with officers positioned on rooftops for increased vigilance.

Special security protocols have been implemented in New Town, Sadiqabad, and Chaklala police station jurisdictions.

Initially, authorities have ordered the closure of restaurants in these areas from midnight until further notice. Additionally, parks, markets, banks, and all shops will remain closed.

The Islamabad district administration has announced a suspension of public and heavy transport in the capital.

"Public and heavy transport in the city will be suspended until further notice. Citizens are kindly requested to cooperate with security agencies," stated the Islamabad district commissioner's office on X.

A similar notice was shared by the Rawalpindi District Commissioner's Office.

In another development, several universities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have announced changes to their academic schedules, moving classes online and postponing exams in the coming days.

A high-level meeting led by Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Mehmood Hamdani was convened at Police Lines Headquarters, where directives were issued to ensure comprehensive security.

Security measures also include the closure of all boys' and girls' hostels in Rawalpindi until further notice.

The newspaper reported heightened security on sensitive routes in Islamabad, with the administration beginning to secure safety certificates from building owners along these routes.

Authorities have stated that parking will be completely prohibited along these routes, and entry for unrelated individuals will be restricted.

Hotels and guesthouses have been instructed to maintain a complete record of guests and submit daily reports to the relevant police station.

Sources indicate that movement on rooftops, balconies, and windows has been restricted, with building owners held accountable for any violations.

Citizens are urged to report any suspicious activities or security concerns immediately.

Following the unsuccessful first round of talks, Pakistan has renewed its diplomatic efforts to facilitate another round of discussions aimed at reaching a potential agreement to end the conflict between the US and Iran.

Beginning April 15, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkiye, while Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir spent three days in Iran to foster consensus on contentious issues.

The ceasefire between the US and Iran is set to expire on April 21.