Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, continued to be shut down by traffic jams on Friday as authorities awaited a possible visit by the top leaders of the United States and Iran for peace talks, which were stalled over differences on key issues.
Governments in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi had closed all major roads and markets in areas where VVIPs operate on Sunday, amid signs that talks could start any day this week. More than 10,000 security personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order.
However, as the week draws to a close, a timetable for the leaders’ arrival has yet to be announced. As uncertainty persists, the regional government has yet to decide on reopening the area around Nurhan Air Base and resuming metro bus, electric bus services and cargo transportation.
Streets, connecting roads, markets and banks around the old airport remained closed for the past five consecutive days and residents of Shafaisal Colony, Khalid Colony, Gulzar Quad, Fazal Town and other areas were confined to their homes.
Metro bus services between Rawalpindi and Islamabad as well as electric buses on seven routes have been suspended and cargo transportation has been at a standstill since April 19, causing inconvenience to the public.
Red zones continue to remain closed, with employees at offices in the region working from home.
Heavy traffic has been partially allowed in parts of Rawalpindi, but trucks and buses remain closed to traffic in Islamabad. While schools and colleges have not closed, universities have shifted to virtual classes.
There has been no official word on the start of talks, although Pakistani authorities continue their diplomatic efforts and remain hopeful of bringing both sides to the negotiating table.
Strict surveillance of the road to Islamabad suggests preparations for the proposed talks are still underway.
The first round of US-Iran talks on April 11-12 failed to achieve a breakthrough, prompting host Pakistan to launch a series of diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and revive hopes for another round of dialogue.
On Wednesday, the New York Post quoted US President Trump as saying that the second round of US-Iran negotiations could be held as early as Friday.
However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei said Tehran had not yet decided whether to participate in a new round of talks brokered by Pakistan in Islamabad.
On Tuesday, Trump indefinitely extended a two-week ceasefire with Iran to give Tehran more time to prepare a unified proposal to end the war, just hours before the truce was set to expire.
The Iran war broke out on February 28 with attacks by the United States and Israel.
This article was generated from automated news agency feeds without modifications to the text.
