Security beefed up as Islamabad braces for arrival of foreign delegations
Advance teams, including security officials, from the US and Iran are likely to start arriving in Islamabad today to make security and other arrangements in connection with the upcoming peace talks between the two countries; police said Red Zone and Extended Red Zone will remain completely closed for all kinds of traffic
Islamabad’s Red Zone was closed for traffic as the capital braces to welcome foreign delegations, police said on Sunday, with alternate traffic plans issued to facilitate citizens.
Advance teams, including security officials, from the US and Iran are likely to start arriving in Islamabad today to make security and other arrangements in connection with the upcoming peace talks between the two countries.
However, so far, no dates have officially been confirmed for the talks. Sources said that the teams from the two countries will put in place security measures for VVIPs in close coordination with the local authorities, including security forces. The Islamabad police and administration have asked the management of hotels, hostels, inns and guest houses to close their premises and lock their buildings until further orders.
“Due to the arrival of foreign delegations in Islamabad, Red Zone and Extended Red Zone will remain completely closed for all kinds of traffic,” the police said in a statement on X. The alternative traffic plans will remain in place from today until further directives, they said.
The district administration also suspended all public and goods transport from Sunday noon till the next directives.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Irfan Nawaz Memon has said that public and heavy transport are also suspended in Islamabad until further orders. While the police statement did not specify which delegations are expected, the move comes as Islamabad gears up for a possible second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran.
Security was on high alert in twin cities, with the deployment of over 10,000 police personnel. As many as 400 elite commandos, including 100 snipers, will be part of the multi-layered security during the arrival and departure of the foreign delegations. About 7,000 personnel of the Islamabad police and 4,000 of Punjab police, along with 900 Federal Constabulary personnel, are available for security duty in the capital.
Historic direct US-Iran talks held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12 had ended without an agreement, but also without a breakdown.