Authorities have announced two local holidays in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Thursday and Friday to facilitate heightened security arrangements ahead of high-level peace talks between Iran and the United States.
Given the sensitivity of the diplomatic engagement, extensive security measures have been implemented across the twin cities. A hotel located within Islamabad’s Red Zone has been vacated on government directives and reserved exclusively for visiting delegations, with strict security deployed in and around the area.
According to official notifications, April 9 and 10 have been declared public holidays in the Islamabad Capital Territory, with exceptions for essential services such as municipal bodies, law enforcement, utility providers, and healthcare institutions. Rescue services and hospitals have also been placed on high alert, ensuring full operational readiness.
Security protocols include the sealing of the Red Zone and surrounding high-security areas, along with possible closures of key entry points into the capital. Movement of delegations will take place under VVIP security arrangements, with designated routes and strict adherence to standard operating procedures.
In addition, several hiking trails, including those near Saidpur village, will remain closed during the two days, while police facilitation centers will be temporarily shut for public services.
Meanwhile, authorities have allowed Excise and Taxation offices to remain operational throughout the holidays to facilitate citizens, particularly for motorcycle transfer services linked to a government fuel subsidy initiative.
Officials noted that the security plan mirrors, and may even exceed, the arrangements previously implemented during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit 2024, reflecting the high stakes associated with the upcoming talks.
Overall, the measures underscore the government’s focus on ensuring both security and administrative continuity during a critical phase of international diplomacy in the capital.