Islamabad on Red Alert as Massive Security Deployed for US–Iran Peace Talks
By Sabeeh Zanair :
Islamabad was placed on high alert on Thursday as authorities rolled out extensive security arrangements ahead of crucial peace talks between the United States and Iran scheduled to take place in the federal capital.
More than 10,000 police and security personnel have been deployed across the city to ensure the safety of the visiting delegations and maintain order during the high-profile diplomatic engagement.
According to officials, the multi-layered security operation will be supervised by the military and supported by paramilitary forces, including the Rangers, as well as personnel from Islamabad and Punjab police. Traffic management will be handled jointly by the Islamabad Traffic Police and the National Highways and Motorway Police to ensure smooth movement across key routes.
The deployment includes around 6,000 officers from Islamabad police, 900 personnel of the Frontier Constabulary and 3,000 members of the Punjab Constabulary. Rangers and Pakistan Army troops have also been stationed at strategic locations, while about 1,000 traffic police officials have been assigned to manage road closures and diversions.
Security forces have taken control of the Red Zone and surrounding high-security areas, where troops have been positioned at important government buildings. Units of the Quick Response Force have been stationed at several points, and additional military personnel have been deployed in the Margalla Hills as part of surveillance and protection measures.
Authorities said all entry points to the Red Zone would remain closed except for Margalla Road, which will only allow access to authorised officials and residents.
Separate routes have been designated for the movement of foreign delegations between Islamabad International Airport and their accommodation. Security personnel will be deployed along these routes, and the visiting dignitaries will be granted VVIP protocol under the government’s Blue Book guidelines.
Officials said members of close protection teams accompanying the VVIPs would not be permitted to carry electronic gadgets, including mobile phones or digital watches, as part of strict security procedures.
Supervisory officers have been instructed to prevent unauthorised access to high-security zones and areas around meeting venues. The capital administration will also oversee emergency services, including fire brigades and ambulances, as well as lighting arrangements, road maintenance and logistical support.
Due to the heightened security, several key roads will face closures and restrictions during the movement of delegations. Faisal Avenue up to Zero Point and the Islamabad Expressway up to Koral Chowk will remain closed at certain times.
Motorists travelling from sectors G-5, G-6 and F-6 towards Rawalpindi have been advised to use 9th Avenue as an alternative route. Traffic from Faisal Avenue heading towards Zero Point will also be diverted to 9th Avenue.
Similarly, vehicles travelling from Bhara Kahu to Rawalpindi will be redirected through Korang Road and Banigala, while traffic heading towards Faizabad from I.J.P. Road will be diverted to Stadium Road from the 9th Avenue traffic signal.
Authorities have urged commuters to plan their travel accordingly as Islamabad hosts the high-stakes negotiations aimed at reaching a lasting peace agreement between Washington and Tehran.
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