Citizens face inconvenience as business, travel and routine services come to a halt
A security roadblock near the Serena Hotel, as Pakistan prepares to host the United States and Iran for peace talks, in Islamabad. PHOTO: REUTERS
RAWALPINDI:
Rawalpindi has been completely locked down under tight security conditions due to the two-day peace talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, paralyzing daily life.
The situation will continue on Saturday and Sunday.
Markets, parks and all public spaces are closed, while police and law enforcement patrol the entire city. All public and private schools, colleges, universities and offices are closed, as well as district courts.
In Chaklala Nur Khan Airbase areas, all wedding halls and marquees are sealed, affecting 34 weddings over three days. Families have moved simple rukhsati ceremonies to their homes, while walima events have been postponed to April 13.
Metro and green bus services are suspended. Markets, hotels, food stores, electronics and jewelry stores, workshops and main roads including Murree Road and Rawal Road are closed.
Within a radius of two to three kilometers from the air base, Section 144 was imposed, prohibiting access to roofs, pigeon flying, kite flying and aerial firing. Double driving on a motorcycle is also prohibited, with some relaxation for women.
Petrol pumps, food chains, langar halls and even fruit and vegetable vendors in these areas have been closed. Major parks, including Allama Iqbal Park, Rawal Park and Dhoke Munshi Park, are closed for three days.
Citizens expressed mixed reactions. Some supported the security measures, while others questioned the closure of essential businesses in Rawalpindi during negotiations in Islamabad.
Murree road closed
On the other hand, Murree Road and Rawal Road from Marrir Chowk to Faizabad will remain completely closed for two days due to ceasefire talks between Iranian and US representatives in Islamabad.
Metro bus service and green electric bus service will also remain suspended.
All shops on Murree Road and Saddar will be completely closed, with traders’ associations responsible for ensuring full compliance. The Deputy Commissioner and CPO said a strict zero tolerance policy would be enforced.
All small markets around Nur Khan Air Base in Chaklala will remain closed for two days, and standing on rooftops and balconies will be prohibited. Within a three-kilometre radius of the air base, pigeon flying, kite flying and aerial firing have been banned, with orders for immediate FIRs and arrests in case of violations.
Trade organizations have signed compliance notices. Traffic cops have been directed to take strict action against underage drivers and those without license, registration, ownership documents or identity cards, with motorcycles to be impounded and FIRs registered.
Enhanced security
Meanwhile, security and law enforcement agencies have been placed on alert in Rawalpindi and Islamabad in view of the arrival and movement of foreign delegations participating in ceasefire talks between Iran and the United States.
Punjab Inspector General of Police Rao Abdul Karim remained present in Rawalpindi along with Regional Police Officer Rawalpindi and City Police Officer Syed Khalid Hamdani, personally supervising security arrangements.
It was decided that heavy security would remain in place until the conclusion of the high-level talks and the departure of all visiting delegations.
The arrival of foreign delegations for high-level talks in Islamabad continues. Tight security measures were maintained in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Friday.
Under Hamdani’s directives, Rawalpindi Police imposed a state of high alert across the city, with extraordinary measures in place to ensure safe travel of foreign delegates and ensure foolproof security.
Senior officers, including CPO Khalid Hamdani, DPO Chakwal Kashif Zulfiqar, DPO Murree Dr Raza Tanveer Sapra, SSP Operations Malik Tariq Mehmood, Investigation SSP Nasir Ali, Traffic Chief Farhan Aslam, SP Security Asghar Goraya, along with divisional SPs, SDPOs and other officials, remained on the ground to supervise the tasks.
More than 5,000 police officers and staff have been deployed to ensure security. More than 350 special pickets were established, with strict surveillance of all entry and exit points into the city, while additional personnel were stationed along key thoroughfares.
