Second round of Iran-US talks likely: High alert prevails across Islamabad, Rawalpindi

ISLAMABAD: The twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi remained on high alert on Tuesday for the third consecutive day, with heavy deployment of security personnel and road closures; however, the district administration restored some bus terminals on the outskirts of the city for intercity transport.

The Red Zone and its extended areas were completely sealed for all kinds of traffic, and all public and private offices located there were directed to adopt work-from-home arrangements due to the arrival of foreign delegations for the expected second round of Iran–United States talks.

Thousands of security personnel, including troops from the Pakistan Army, Rangers, Frontier Constabulary, Islamabad Police, Punjab Police, as well as traffic and motorway police, were deployed across Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Earlier, the administration had suspended goods and public transport entering the city. On Tuesday, however, the district administrations of the twin cities announced the restoration of bus terminal services operating from the outskirts of the federal capital.

According to officials, public transport services operating from the 26 Number bus terminals are now fully functional. Citizens traveling to other cities can use these terminals for their journeys.

The Rawalpindi district administration also restored bus terminals on Peshawar Road.

A heavy contingent of security personnel was deployed at entry and exit points, sensitive installations, and key routes leading to the Red Zone, including roads connecting Islamabad International Airport and Nur Khan Airbase. The army was deployed in and around the Red Zone and other high-security installations.

To strengthen security, special checkpoints have been established at entry and exit points of the city. All patrolling units and special squads are actively conducting patrols across Islamabad. Senior police officers remained present in the field to oversee and review security arrangements.

The city police continued conducting large-scale combing and search operations in different areas of the city.

A police official said that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) ordered grand search operations throughout the district to enhance security and ensure public safety. The operations were carried out in the jurisdictions of Kirpa, Tarnol, Phulgran, Khanna, Karachi Company, Sangjani, Noon, Golra, and Sihala police stations.

The search operations were conducted under the supervision of zonal Superintendents of Police (SPs), with participation from female police personnel as well.

During the operations, police checked 743 individuals and searched 307 households. Additionally, 95 shops and 46 hotels were inspected.

Law enforcement officials also examined 272 motorcycles and 96 vehicles. During the operations, 39 suspicious individuals, including three Afghan nationals, along with 18 motorcycles, were taken into custody and shifted to respective police stations for further investigation.

Police also arrested one suspect involved in illegal possession of weapons and recovered a pistol along with ammunition.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026