Islamabad, Pindi Suspend Transport Ahead of Diplomacy Talks
News Desk
Islamabad/Rawalpindi: Authorities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Sunday suspended all public, private, and goods transport services with immediate effect, citing security considerations ahead of the expected second round of US-Iran talks in the federal capital.
The decision, announced separately by the deputy commissioners of both cities, brings all forms of transport to a halt until further notice, with officials offering no detailed explanation beyond security-related directives.
Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon said heavy and public transport services had been suspended “until further orders,” urging citizens to cooperate with security agencies. A similar notification from Rawalpindi authorities confirmed that all transport operations had been halted, with further updates to be issued later.
The sudden restrictions come amid heightened speculation that Islamabad may host the next round of negotiations between the United States and Iran next week. However, no official confirmation has been issued by Pakistan, Iran, or the United States regarding the venue or timing of the talks.
The developments follow an already heightened security environment in the twin cities. A day earlier, Rawalpindi police were placed on high alert on the instructions of City Police Officer Syed Khalid Mahmood Hamdani, with more than 10,000 personnel deployed across sensitive locations.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/rawalpindi-sealed-under-high-security-alert/
Authorities have set up over 600 checkpoints, intensified patrolling by Elite Force and Dolphin Force units, and deployed snipers and special commandos for protection duties. Search, sweep, and intelligence-based operations have also been expanded, while Safe City surveillance systems and CCTV monitoring have been activated for round-the-clock observation.
Security has been further tightened around key installations, government buildings, and residential areas of significance, with strict monitoring of entry and exit routes.
The measures come against the backdrop of renewed diplomatic activity surrounding US-Iran relations. The previous round of high-level engagement, held after a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire earlier this month, marked the first direct contact between the two sides in over a decade.
That meeting reportedly addressed key issues including Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions, and regional security concerns such as the Strait of Hormuz.
However, Iranian officials have since stated that no date has yet been finalised for the next round, and that a formal framework agreement is still under discussion.
