Rawalpindi and Islamabad blocked ahead of Iran-US talks

Extraordinary security measures have been put in place in Rawalpindi ahead of the long-awaited final round of talks between Iran and the United States in Islamabad.

More than 10,000 police officers have been deployed and more than 600 checkpoints have been established throughout the city. Authorities have announced that, starting at midnight tonight, several sensitive areas surrounding Nur Khan Air Base and Islamabad International Airport will be sealed.

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

Read: Iran says there is no date set for the next round of negotiations with the US.

Police confirmed that a red alert has been declared in Rawalpindi, particularly in the vicinity of Nur Khan Air Base and Islamabad Airport. Officers will also be stationed on rooftops as part of increased surveillance.

Barbed wire blocks a road leading to the President’s House, as Pakistan prepares to host the United States and Iran for the second phase of peace talks in Islamabad, April 18, 2026. Photo: Reuters

Special security measures have been implemented in the jurisdictions of New Town, Sadiqabad and Chaklala police stations. In a first phase, the authorities have ordered the closure of restaurants in these areas from midnight until further notice. In addition, parks, beauty salons, markets, billiard clubs, gyms, paan shops, kiosks, barbershops, banks and bakeries will remain closed.

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

Read more: Iran reestablishes control over Strait of Hormuz as ships report gunfire

A police spokesman said the extraordinary measures respond 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 Lines headquarters where directives were issued to ensure foolproof security.

The security measures also include the closure of all boys and girls hostels in Rawalpindi until further notice. Police sent notices to all hostel owners, who were ordered to vacate by midnight on Saturday. The warning issued has instructed boys and girls staying in shelters to return to their homes, and legal action will be taken against those who do not comply.

Restricted federal capital

In view of the expected arrival of delegations from Iran and the United States to Islamabad, extraordinary security measures have been taken.

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

Authorities say special measures have been taken for the security of the delegations. Owners of houses, businesses, squares and hotels located on sensitive routes have been subject to specific security instructions.

Billboards displaying flags of the United States, Pakistan and Iran, as Pakistan prepares to host the United States and Iran in 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 on these routes and unrelated people will not be allowed. Furthermore, hotels and guest houses have been directed to maintain a complete record of guests and submit daily reports to the concerned 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 responsible.

The administration has directed citizens to immediately report any suspicious activity or security concerns; Strict legal action will be taken against violators.