Authorities in Islamabad and nearby Rawalpindi have declared two local holidays as the cities brace for crucial peace negotiations between Iran and the United States.
Officials say the shutdown, covering Thursday and Friday, is part of sweeping security arrangements designed to ensure the safety of visiting delegations and maintain order during the highly sensitive diplomatic meeting.
Because of the importance of the talks, security agencies across the country have been mobilised. Law-enforcement authorities, intelligence services, and paramilitary units are working together under a coordinated plan to secure the capital while negotiations take place.
A major hotel located inside the heavily protected Red Zone has been reserved exclusively for the visiting delegations. Guests were reportedly asked to vacate the premises after the federal government temporarily requisitioned the building for the diplomatic event, which is expected to run until Sunday evening.
According to a notification issued by the Islamabad administration, most government offices across the Islamabad Capital Territory will remain closed during the two-day holiday. However, essential services will continue to operate, including emergency services, hospitals, police units, electricity providers, and gas supply agencies.
Rescue departments and medical facilities have also been placed on high alert, with staff instructed to remain on standby and ensure that equipment and medical supplies are fully available in case of emergencies.
Meanwhile, security in the Red Zone — home to key government buildings and diplomatic missions — will be extremely tight throughout the visit. Authorities plan to seal off the entire area, with additional restrictions expected along major routes such as Faisal Avenue depending on the movements of the delegations.
Several entry points into the capital are also expected to be temporarily closed, while designated routes are being prepared for the official convoys.
Officials say the security measures could match — or even exceed — the arrangements implemented during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit 2024, which brought multiple world leaders to Pakistan’s capital.
Public spaces have also been affected. Popular hiking routes including Trails 2, 3, 4 and 5 near Margalla Hills National Park, as well as trails behind Saidpur village, will remain closed to visitors during the two-day period.
In Rawalpindi, authorities announced similar local holidays to support the broader security operation around the diplomatic engagement.
Despite the shutdown, some government services will remain available. The Excise and Taxation Department confirmed its offices will stay open for several days — including the holiday period — to allow citizens to process motorcycle ownership transfers.
Officials say the extended service window is designed to make it easier for residents to complete transfers required to access a new petrol subsidy programme linked to a government mobile application.
As the cities tighten security and prepare for the high-profile negotiations, attention now turns to whether the talks between Washington and Tehran can ease tensions and move both sides closer to a lasting diplomatic breakthrough.
