Citizens are facing inconvenience due to the paralysis of business, travel and routine services.
A roadblock for security measures near the Serena Hotel, as Pakistan prepares to host the United States and Iran for peace talks, in Islamabad. PHOTO: REUTERS
RAWALPINDI:
Rawalpindi has been completely sealed under tight security due to the two-day peace talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, paralyzing daily life.
The situation will continue during Saturday and Sunday.
Markets, parks and all public spaces are closed, while police and law enforcement patrol throughout the city. All schools, colleges, universities and public and private offices are closed, as are district courts.
In Nur Khan Air Base areas of Chaklala, all wedding halls and tents are sealed, affecting 34 weddings in three days. Families have moved simple rukhsati ceremonies into homes, while walima events have been postponed until April 13.
Metro and green bus services are suspended. Markets, hotels, food outlets, electronics and jewelery stores, workshops and major roads including Murree Road and Rawal Road are closed.
Within a two to three kilometer radius of the air base, Section 144 has been imposed, which prohibits access to rooftops, pigeon flying, kite flying and aerial shooting. It is also prohibited to ride double-file on motorcycles, with some relaxation for women.
Petrol pumps, food chains, langars and even fruit and vegetable sellers have been closed in these areas. Major parks including Allama Iqbal Park, Rawal Park and Dhoke Munshi Park will be closed for three days.
Citizens have expressed mixed reactions. Some supported the security measures, while others questioned the closure of essential businesses in Rawalpindi while talks take place in Islamabad.
Murree Street 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 American representatives in Islamabad.
The Metrobús service and the green electric bus service will also remain suspended.
All shops on Murree Road and Saddar will be completely closed and merchant associations will have 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 Air Base will remain sealed for two days, while standing on rooftops and balconies is prohibited. Within a three-kilometre radius of the air base, pigeon flying, kite flying and aerial shooting have been banned, with immediate FIR orders and arrests in case of violations.
Trade bodies have signed compliance notices. Traffic wardens have been ordered to take strict action against underage drivers and those without licence, registration, ownership documents or identification cards, with motorcycles to be confiscated and FIRs registered.
Increased security
Meanwhile, security and law enforcement agencies were put on high alert in Rawalpindi and Islamabad over the arrival and movement of foreign delegations attending the ceasefire talks between Iran and the United States.
Punjab Police Inspector General Rao Abdul Karim remained present in Rawalpindi along with Rawalpindi Regional Police Officer and City Police Officer Syed Khalid Hamdani, personally supervising security measures.
It was decided that heightened security would be maintained until the conclusion of the high-level talks and the departure of all visiting delegations.
The arrival of foreign delegations for high-level talks in Islamabad continues. Tight security measures were maintained in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Friday.
Under Hamdani’s directives, Rawalpindi police imposed high alert across the city, with extraordinary measures 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 Officer Malik Tariq Mehmood, SSP Investigation Officer Nasir Ali, Chief Traffic Officer Farhan Aslam, SP Security Officer Asghar Goraya as well as divisional SPs, SDPOs and other officials remained in the field supervising tasks.
More than 5,000 police officers and personnel were deployed for security duties. More than 350 special pickets were established, with strict surveillance of all entry and exit points into the city, while additional personnel were stationed along key roads.
