Security preparations across Islamabad and Rawalpindi have entered an advanced phase ahead of expected high-level talks next week, with evacuation and clearance activity underway at Islamabad Marriott Hotel and Serena Hotel Islamabad as foreign delegations begin arriving in the federal capital.
Sources told RBN that arrangements at both hotels were finalized today as visiting delegations are expected to land tonight and stay in Islamabad for meetings scheduled in the coming days.
Security agencies have tightened surveillance in and around sensitive locations, while personnel have been deployed on rooftops along key routes as part of enhanced protection measures. Residents along the route from Nur Khan Airbase to Serena Hotel have been instructed not to record videos of official convoys.
Authorities are continuing preparations despite mixed diplomatic signals from Iran, reflecting a similar security posture seen ahead of earlier rounds of discussions.
Foreign delegations’ arrival has triggered extensive traffic and movement restrictions across the capital.
The Red Zone and Extended Red Zone will remain completely closed to all traffic. Islamabad Expressway from Koral Interchange to Zero Point has been shut, while traffic on Srinagar Highway may be suspended intermittently depending on security requirements.
Entry of heavy vehicles into Islamabad from all highways and directions has been banned during the security operation, and transporters have been advised to avoid travelling towards the city to prevent delays.
An alternative traffic plan has been issued for residents. Citizens of G-5, G-6, G-7, F-6 and F-7 sectors have been directed to use 9th Avenue via Margalla Road towards Rawalpindi, while traffic from Faisal Avenue heading to Zero Point will also be diverted to 9th Avenue.
If Koral Chowk is closed from Zero Point, commuters may reach Koral through Srinagar Highway, Stadium Road, Murree Road, Chandni Chowk and Rawal Road via 9th Avenue. In case Club Road is closed from Park Road, traffic will be diverted towards Taramri Chowk.
Meanwhile, security deployment in Rawalpindi has intensified, with more than 10,000 police personnel deployed and over 600 checkpoints established at entry and exit points of the city. Additional forces have been stationed along major highways forming a multilayered security cordon.
The security plan includes 400 elite commandos, around 100 sharpshooters, 4,000 personnel of the Punjab Highway Patrol, and 200 Dolphin Force officials assigned to protect routes and sensitive installations.
Deployment began late on April 18 as delegations prepared to land at Nur Khan Airbase before moving towards Islamabad under tight security. Operations are being conducted in multiple shifts to ensure round-the-clock coverage.
Sharpshooters positioned on rooftops are coordinating with ground units through wireless communication systems, while Special Branch teams continue search, sweep and combing operations in different areas. Safe City surveillance cameras are also being used for continuous monitoring from centralized control rooms.
