Citizens experience difficulties as business, travel and routine services come to a standstill
A security roadblock near the Serena Hotel as Pakistan prepares to host the US and Iran for peace talks in Islamabad. PHOTO: REUTERS
RAWALPINDI:
Rawalpindi has been completely sealed off under tight security due to two days of US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad, paralyzing daily life.
The situation will continue until Saturday and Sunday.
Markets, parks and all public spaces are closed while police and law enforcement agencies patrol the entire city. All public and private schools, colleges, universities and offices are closed along with the district courts.
In Chaklala’s Nur Khan Airbase areas, all marriage halls and tents are sealed, affecting 34 weddings over three days. Families have moved simple rukhsati ceremonies to homes, while walima events have been postponed to April 13.
Metro and green bus services are suspended. Markets, hotels, food outlets, electronics and jewelery shops, workshops and major roads including Murree Road and Rawal Road are closed.
Within a radius of two to three kilometers from the airbase, Section 144 has been imposed, which prohibits access to the roof terrace, pigeon flying, kite flying and aerial shooting. Dual riding on motorcycles 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 have expressed mixed reactions. Some supported the security measures, while others questioned the closure of key businesses in Rawalpindi when the talks are held 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.
The metro bus service and the green electric bus service also remain suspended.
All shops on Murree Road and in Saddar will be completely shut down, with trade associations directed to ensure full compliance. The Deputy Commissioner and CPO stated that a strict zero tolerance policy would be enforced.
All small markets around Chaklala’s Nur Khan Airbase will remain closed for two days, while rooftops and balconies have been banned. Within a radius of three kilometers from the airbase, pigeon flying, kite flying and aerial shooting have been banned, with orders for immediate FIR and arrests in case of violations.
Trade bodies have signed notices of compliance. Traffic wardens have been asked to take strict action against minor riders and those without licences, registration, ownership documents or ID cards, with motorcycles to be impounded and FIRs registered.
Security increased
Meanwhile, security and law enforcement agencies were put on high alert in Rawalpindi and Islamabad for the arrival and movement of foreign delegations participating in the Iran-US ceasefire talks.
Inspector General of Punjab Police Rao Abdul Karim remained present in Rawalpindi along with Rawalpindi Regional Police Officer and City Police Officer Syed Khalid Hamdani who personally supervised security arrangements.
It was decided that increased security would remain in place until the conclusion of the high-level negotiations and the departure of all visiting delegations.
The arrival of foreign delegations for high-level talks in Islamabad is underway. On Friday, tight security was maintained across the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Under Hamdani’s directives, Rawalpindi police enforced a city-wide high alert, with extraordinary measures in place to ensure safe movement of foreign delegates and provision of foolproof security.
Senior officers including CPO Khalid Hamdani, DPO Chakwal Kashif Zulfiqar, DPO Murree Dr Raza Tanveer Sapra, SSP Operations Malik Tariq Mehmood, SSP Investigation Nasir Ali, Chief Traffic Officer Farhan Aslam, SP Security Asghar Goraya, as well as Divisional SPs, SDPOs remaining in the official fields and SDPOs remaining in the official fields and SDPOs.
More than 5,000 police officers and personnel were deployed for security duties. Over 350 special picket lines were established, with strict surveillance of all entry and exit points into the city, while additional personnel were deployed along key thoroughfares.
