In his post on Truth Social, Trump stated that American negotiators will be in Pakistan on Monday for talks with Iran. It remains uncertain whether the negotiating team will be led by Vice President J D Vance, who participated in the initial meeting in Islamabad.
“Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are heading to the Middle East,” Trump informed Fox News. Special Envoy Witkoff and Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, accompanied Vance during the first round of talks.
Even prior to Trump’s declaration, authorities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi had signaled the arrival of foreign delegates for discussions. “Given the influx of foreign delegations in Islamabad, the Red Zone and Extended Red Zone will be entirely off-limits for all traffic,” Islamabad police stated on their official X account. “Citizens are encouraged to utilize alternate routes and cooperate with traffic police to facilitate security and smooth transit,” they added.
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Earlier, a police spokesperson mentioned that over 10,000 police personnel have been deployed, with more than 600 checkpoints established throughout Rawalpindi, the vast city adjacent to Islamabad, according to the Express Tribune. Security protocols are also being enforced in the capital.
Authorities announced that starting Sunday midnight, several sensitive areas around Nur Khan Airbase and Islamabad International Airport will be sealed off. The Nur Khan Airbase is situated in Rawalpindi, while the Islamabad International Airport is within the jurisdiction of the Attock district of Punjab, although travelers must traverse through Rawalpindi to reach Islamabad.
Therefore, with extensive security arrangements in Rawalpindi, officials indicated they are taking no chances, especially after Trump stated last week that he might visit Pakistan to sign the agreement with Iran.
The Express Tribune reported that a total ban has been imposed on drone flights, pigeon releases, and aerial firing in Rawalpindi. Officials assert these actions aim to guarantee the safety of aircraft transporting high-level foreign delegations.
Police confirmed that a red alert has been issued in Rawalpindi, particularly near Nur Khan Airbase and Islamabad Airport. Officers will also be positioned on rooftops as a part of enhanced vigilance. Special security measures have been enforced in the jurisdictions of New Town, Sadiqabad, and Chaklala police stations.
Initially, authorities have mandated the closure of restaurants in these areas from midnight until further notice. Furthermore, parks, markets, banks, and all types of shops and establishments will remain shut. The Islamabad district administration has also announced a suspension of public and heavy transport within the capital.
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“Public and heavy transport in the city is being halted until further instructions. Citizens are sincerely requested to cooperate with the security agencies,” stated a post from the Islamabad district commissioner’s office on X. A similar notice was shared by the Office of the Rawalpindi District Commissioner.
In another report, several universities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi announced on Sunday adjustments to academic schedules, moving classes online and postponing exams in the upcoming days.
A high-level meeting, chaired by Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Mehmood Hamdani, convened at Police Lines Headquarters, where directives were issued to ensure comprehensive security. Additional measures also involve the temporary closure of all boys’ and girls’ hostels in Rawalpindi until further notice.
The paper reported that security has been elevated on sensitive routes in Islamabad, with the administration initiating the process of securing safety certificates from the owners of buildings along these paths. Authorities noted that special arrangements have been made for the delegations’ protection.
Sources indicated that movement on rooftops, balconies, and windows has been restricted, and any violations will result in the building owner being held accountable. The administration has urged citizens to report any suspicious activities or security concerns immediately.
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Following the unsuccessful initial round of discussions, Pakistan has renewed its diplomatic efforts to facilitate another round of talks for a potential agreement to end the conflict between the US and Iran.
Beginning April 15, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkiye, while Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir spent three days in Iran to build a consensus on contentious issues. The ceasefire between the US and Iran is set to expire on April 21.
