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-US talks in Islamabad.

More than 10,000 police officers have been deployed and over 600 checkpoints have been established across the city. Authorities have announced that from midnight tonight several sensitive areas around Nur Khan Airbase and Islamabad International Airport will be sealed off.

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

Read: Iran says no date set for next round of talks with US

Police confirmed that a red alert has been declared in Rawalpindi, especially near Nur Khan Airbase and Islamabad Airport. Officers will also be posted on rooftops as part of increased 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 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, the authorities have ordered the closure of restaurants in these areas from midnight until further notice. Additionally, parks, beauty parlours, markets, snooker clubs, gyms, paan shops, kiosks, hairdressers, banks and bakeries will remain closed.

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

Read more: Iran reasserts control over Strait of Hormuz as ships report firing

A police spokesman 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 the Police Line headquarters where directives were issued to ensure foolproof security.

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 midnight on Saturday. The warning issued has directed boys and girls living in the hostels to return to their homes and legal action to be taken against those who fail to comply.

Federal capital limited

In view of the expected arrival of delegations from Iran and the United States in Islamabad, extraordinary security arrangements have been made.

Security has also been put on high alert on sensitive routes in Islamabad where the administration has begun the process of obtaining security certificates from the owners of buildings situated on these routes.

The authorities say that special measures have been taken for the security of the delegations. The owners of houses, shops, squares and hotels located along sensitive routes have been bound by specific safety instructions.

Hoarders display US, Pakistani and Iranian flags as Pakistan prepares to host the US and Iran for the second phase of peace talks in Islamabad April 18, 2026. Photo: Reuters

According to the police, there will be a complete ban on parking along these routes, while there will be no access for independent persons. In addition, hotels and guesthouses have been ordered to keep a complete record of guests and submit daily reports to the relevant police station.

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.