Pakistan imposes extraordinary measures as second round of Washington-Tehran talks looms

• Islamabad turns into high-security zone ahead of second US-Iran negotiation round.
• Schools, courts, and key roads disrupted under strict security lockdown.

Pakistan has implemented sweeping security and administrative restrictions in its capital Islamabad as preparations intensify for a second round of indirect talks between the United States and Iran.

Read more: Pakistan prepares to host high-stakes US–Iran talks

The city has been placed under tight control, with authorities closing major roads, suspending court sessions, and shifting education to online platforms in what officials describe as extraordinary measures to ensure security during the high-level diplomatic engagement.

Islamabad turns into fortified zone

Security across the capital has been significantly reinforced, with checkpoints, armed personnel, and restricted access zones established around key diplomatic and hotel areas.

The Red Zone, which houses government and diplomatic facilities, has been fully sealed off, with traffic rerouted and movement heavily restricted.

Read more: Pakistan announces start of second round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad

Major hotels including the Serena and Marriott are expected to host delegations or serve as logistical hubs for the talks.

Widespread disruption to daily life

Authorities have suspended in-person learning at major institutions, including Quaid-i-Azam University, which shifted classes online until later this week due to security concerns.

The Federal Constitutional Court has also postponed scheduled hearings, citing restrictions in the capital and safety considerations for lawyers and litigants.

Traffic authorities have introduced alternative routes while banning heavy transport vehicles from entering the city during the period of heightened security.

Security operations and detentions

Police in Islamabad carried out large-scale search operations ahead of the talks, detaining dozens of individuals for questioning and seizing vehicles for inspection.

Checkpoints have been established at entry and exit points of the city as part of intensified monitoring measures aimed at preventing any security incidents during the diplomatic process.

Government coordination at highest level

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has held meetings with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to review security preparations and logistical arrangements.

Officials say coordination between civil and security institutions reflects the sensitivity of hosting indirect US-Iran negotiations on Pakistani soil.

High stakes diplomatic backdrop

The talks come after an earlier round described as complex, with mediation reportedly conducted through separate rooms and indirect exchanges facilitated by Pakistani intermediaries.

Key issues expected to dominate discussions include regional security dynamics, sanctions relief, and maritime tensions linked to strategic waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite the heavy preparations, uncertainty remains over the exact level of participation from both Washington and Tehran, underscoring the fragile nature of the ongoing diplomatic effort.