Pakistani authorities impose strict security measures ahead of US-Iran talks

On April 11 and 12, the United States and Iran held rare direct talks in Pakistan aimed at ending the conflict, but the talks did not result in any agreement.

Pakistan has restarted diplomatic efforts to broker another round of talks in Islamabad to reach a final deal to end the war between Washington and Tehran.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Türkiye, while Defense Forces chief Marshal Asim Munir spent three days in Iran to build consensus on contentious issues.

Rawalpindi, a sprawling city adjacent to Islamabad, has deployed more than 10,000 police officers and set up more than 600 checkpoints, The Tribune reported.

The security protocol is also being implemented in the capital ahead of possible talks.

Authorities announced that several sensitive areas around Nur Khan Air Base and Islamabad International Airport will be cordoned off starting from midnight on Sunday.

Nur Khan Air Force Base is located in Rawalpindi and Islamabad International Airport falls under the jurisdiction of Attock District of Punjab, but passengers must pass through Rawalpindi area to reach Islamabad.

A massive security arrangement in Rawalpindi therefore makes sense, with authorities taking no chances after US President Donald Trump said he might visit Pakistan to sign a deal with Iran.

Rawalpindi has imposed a complete ban on drone flying, pigeon flying and aerial shooting, The Express Tribune reported. Officials said the measures were aimed at ensuring the safety of planes carrying high-level foreign delegations.

Police confirmed that a red alert has been issued in Rawalpindi, especially near Nur Khan Air Base and Islamabad Airport. Officers will also be stationed on rooftops as part of the increased vigilance.

Special security arrangements have been implemented in the jurisdictions of New Town, Sadiqabad and Chaklala police stations.

In the first phase, authorities have ordered restaurants in these areas to close from midnight until further notice. Additionally, parks, beauty salons, markets, snooker clubs, fitness centres, paan shops, kiosks, barbershops, banks and bakeries will remain closed.

No decision has been made regarding the suspension of public or cargo transport.

A police spokesman said the extraordinary measures were taken in response to the actions of the foreign delegation.

A high-level meeting chaired by Rawalpindi City Police Officer Syed Khalid Mohammad Hamdani was held at the Police Line Headquarters where instructions to ensure foolproof security were issued.

Safety measures also include closure of all boys and girls hostels across Rawalpindi until further notice.

Security on sensitive routes in Islamabad is also on high alert and the government has started obtaining safety certificates from owners of buildings along these routes, The Express Tribune reported.

The authorities said special measures had been taken for the safety of the delegation. Owners of houses, shops, squares and hotels along sensitive routes are subject to specific security instructions.

Police said parking on these routes will be completely prohibited and unauthorized persons will not be allowed to enter.

Additionally, hotels and guesthouses have been directed to maintain complete guest records and submit daily reports to the concerned police stations.

According to sources, movement on roofs, balconies and windows has also been restricted and owners will be held liable for any violations.

The government has instructed citizens to immediately report any suspicious activity or security concerns.

However, so far there has been no final decision on the timing of the second round of talks, with official sources late on Thursday rejecting the possibility of talks on Monday as reported by some media outlets.

The ceasefire between the United States and Iran expires on April 22.

This article was generated from automated news agency feeds without modifications to the text.