ISLAMABAD
An advance team from the United States has arrived in Islamabad as Pakistan prepares to host the second round of talks between the Washington and Iran, sources said on Sunday. Authorities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi heightened security in the federal capital, sealing off the Red Zone to traffic as Pakistan prepares to host visiting foreign delegations.
The measures follow reports about the second round of talks between delegations from the United States and Iran, reportedly scheduled next week.However, there has been no official confirmation from Pakistan, Iran, or the US so far regarding the schedule of the dialogue.
In a statement, Islamabad police said that the Red Zone and Extended Red Zone will remain completely closed for all kinds of traffic until further notice due to the arrival of foreign delegations. They advised citizens to use alternate routes and cooperate with traffic police to ensure smooth flow and security.
Further, the district administrations of Islamabad and Rawalpindi announced an immediate suspension of public and goods transport in the twin cities. The Islamabad deputy commissioner suspended heavy transport and public transport services until further notice, without citing any reason.
“Heavy transport and public transport in the city are being suspended until further orders. Citizens are earnestly requested to cooperate with the security agencies,” the Islamabad DC posted on X. Similarly, all private, public, and goods transport has been suspended with immediate effect in Rawalpindi. The official confirmed that further updates will be issued later.
“All private, public and goods transport in Rawalpindi is hereby suspended with immediate effect. Further updates will be shared,” the Rawalpindi DC said in his X post. A day earlier, the Rawalpindi police were put on high alert on the directives of City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Mahmood Hamdani.
“Rawalpindi Police have placed the city on high security alert and implemented extraordinary arrangements to ensure foolproof security in view of the movement of foreign delegations,” state-run news agency, media, reported.
