Rawalpindi, Islamabad locked down ahead of Iran–US talks

Extraordinary security arrangements have been put in place in Rawalpindi ahead of the expected final round of Iran–United States talks in Islamabad. More than 10,000 police personnel have been deployed, and over 600 checkpoints have been established across the city. Authorities have announced that, from midnight tonight, several sensitive areas surrounding Nur Khan Airbase and Islamabad International Airport will be sealed. A complete ban has been imposed on drone flights, pigeon flying and aerial firing. Officials say these measures are aimed at ensuring the security of aircraft carrying high-level foreign delegations. Read: Iran says no date set for next round of negotiations with US Police confirmed that a red alert has been declared in Rawalpindi, particularly in the vicinity of Nur Khan Airbase and Islamabad Airport. Officers will also be stationed on rooftops as part of heightened vigilance. Barbed wire blocks a road leading to the President’s House, as Pakistan prepares to host the US and Iran for the second phase of peace talks in Islamabad, on April 18, 2026. Photo: Reuters Special security measures have been enforced within the jurisdictions of New Town, Sadiqabad and Chaklala Police Stations. In the first phase, authorities have ordered the closure of restaurants in these areas from midnight until further notice. In addition, parks, beauty parlours, markets, snooker clubs, fitness centres, paan shops, kiosks, barber shops, banks and bakeries will remain closed. Police have begun distributing warning notices to businesses, cautioning that strict action will be taken against any violations. No decision has yet been made regarding the suspension of public or goods transport. Read More: Iran reimposes control over Strait of Hormuz as ships report gunfire A police spokesperson said that the extraordinary measures are in response to the movement of foreign delegations. A high-level meeting, chaired by Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Mehmood Hamdani, was held at Police Lines Headquarters, where directives were issued to ensure foolproof security. Security measures also include the closing down of all boys’ and girls’ hostels within Rawalpindi until further notice. Police have sent notices to all hostel owners, who have been ordered to vacate their hostels by midnight on Saturday. The warning issued has instructed boys and girls staying in the hostels to return to their homes, with legal action to be taken against those who do not comply. Federal capital restricted In view of the expected arrival of delegations from Iran and the United States in Islamabad, extraordinary security arrangements have been made. Security has been put on high alert on sensitive routes in Islamabad as well, with the administration having begun the process of obtaining security certificates from the owners of buildings located on these routes. The authorities say that special measures have been taken for the security of the delegations. The owners of houses, shops, plazas and hotels situated along sensitive routes have been bound by specific security instructions. Hoardings displaying flags of the US, Pakistan and Iran, as Pakistan prepares to host the US and Iran for the second phase of peace talks in Islamabad, on April 18, 2026. Photo: Reuters According to the police, there will be a complete ban on parking along these routes, while entry of unrelated persons will not be allowed. In addition, hotels and guesthouses have been instructed to keep a complete record of guests and submit reports to the relevant police station on a daily basis. ڈی جی سیف سٹی / ڈی آئی جی ٹریفک محمد ہارون جوئیہ کی زیرِ صدارت اہم اجلاس، اسلام آباد میں وفود کی آمد و رفت کے پیشِ نظر ٹریفک و سیکیورٹی مینجمنٹ کے جامع پلان کا جائزہ۔ شہریوں کو بہترین سفری سہولیات اور بروقت ٹریفک اپڈیٹس کی فراہمی یقینی بنانے کی ہدایت۔#WeRIslamabadPolice… pic.twitter.com/sD6xBTETGO — Islamabad Police (@ICT_Police) April 18, 2026 According to sources, movement on roofs, balconies and windows has also been restricted and, in case of any violation, the building owner will be held responsible. The administration has instructed citizens to immediately report any suspicious activity or security concerns; strict legal action will be taken against violators.