Rawalpindi and Islamabad locked down ahead of Iran-US talks

Extraordinary security arrangements have been put in place in Rawalpindi ahead of the latest round of Iran-US talks expected in Islamabad.

More than 10,000 police officers have been deployed and more than 600 checkpoints have been established across the city. Authorities have announced that from midnight this evening, several sensitive areas around Nur Khan Air Base and Islamabad International Airport will be closed.

A complete ban was imposed on drone flights, pigeon flying and aerial shooting. Officials say the measures are aimed at ensuring the safety of planes carrying high-level foreign delegations.

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Police confirmed that a red alert had been declared in Rawalpindi, including near Nur Khan Air Base and Islamabad Airport. Officers will also be posted on roofs as part of increased vigilance.

Barbed wire blocks a road leading to the president’s house, as Pakistan prepares to host the United States and Iran for the second phase of peace talks in Islamabad, April 18, 2026. Photo: Reuters

Special security measures were implemented in the jurisdictions of New Town, Sadiqabad and Chaklala police stations. Initially, authorities ordered restaurants in these areas to close from midnight until further notice. Additionally, parks, beauty salons, markets, snooker clubs, fitness centers, paan shops, kiosks, hair salons, banks and bakeries will remain closed.

Police have started distributing warnings to businesses, warning that strict action will be taken against any violations. No decision has yet been made regarding the suspension of public or freight transport.

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A police spokesperson said the extraordinary measures are a 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 the police headquarters, where guidelines were issued to ensure foolproof security.

The security measures also include closure of all boys and girls hostels in Rawalpindi until further notice. Police have sent notices to all hostel owners, who have been ordered to vacate their hostels by Saturday midnight. The warning issued instructed boys and girls staying in the hostels to return home, and legal action will be taken against those who fail to comply.

Restricted federal capital

In view of the expected arrival of Iranian and American delegations in Islamabad, extraordinary security arrangements have been made.

Security has also been put on high alert on sensitive roads in Islamabad as the administration has started the process of obtaining safety certificates from owners of buildings located on these roads.

Authorities say special measures have been taken for the security of delegations. Owners of houses, shops, squares and hotels located along sensitive roads are subject to specific safety instructions.

Billboards displaying the flags of the United States, Pakistan and Iran, as Pakistan prepares to host the United States and Iran for the second phase of peace talks in Islamabad, April 18, 2026. Photo: Reuters

According to police, parking will be completely prohibited along these routes, while entry of unrelated people will not be allowed. Additionally, hotels and guesthouses have been instructed to maintain a complete register of their guests and submit reports to the relevant police station on a daily basis.

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 asked citizens to immediately report any suspicious activity or security concerns; strict legal action will be taken against violators.