ISLAMABAD, April 19 (Alliance News) — The district administrations of Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Sunday announced the immediate suspension of public and goods transport services amid speculation of a potential second round of talks between the United States and Iran in the federal capital.
According to official statements, heavy and public transport in Islamabad has been halted until further notice, with authorities urging citizens to cooperate with security agencies. Similarly, all private, public, and goods transport in Rawalpindi has been suspended with immediate effect, with officials saying further updates will be issued later.
The move comes amid reports that Islamabad may host a fresh round of US-Iran negotiations next week, although no formal confirmation has been issued by the concerned governments.
Security in the twin cities has been significantly tightened. On the directives of City Police Officer Syed Khalid Mahmood Hamdani, more than 10,000 police personnel have been deployed across Rawalpindi, with over 600 checkpoints established to monitor entry and exit points.
Elite Commandos, snipers, and rapid response units, including the Elite Force and Dolphin Force, have been tasked with maintaining security, while continuous patrolling and intelligence-based operations are underway. Surveillance has also been enhanced through Safe City cameras and modern monitoring systems.
The heightened measures follow earlier diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran in Islamabad after a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire. Key issues under discussion include regional security, Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions, and the status of the Strait of Hormuz.
