ISLAMABAD; Authorities have completely sealed the Red Zone in Islamabad as the capital prepares to receive foreign delegations, with police issuing alternate traffic plans to ease public inconvenience.
According to officials, both the Red Zone and Extended Red Zone will remain closed to all types of traffic until further notice. Public and heavy transport services have also been suspended in Islamabad and neighbouring Rawalpindi as part of heightened security measures.
The Cabinet Division has directed all ministries, divisions, and federal institutions located in the Red Zone to adopt a work-from-home policy for April 20, while instructing staff to remain available for duty at short notice. Similarly, local authorities have advised public and private offices, as well as educational institutions in the area, to follow remote working arrangements.
Entry into the Red Zone has been completely restricted, while hotels, guest houses, and hostels have been instructed to temporarily close their premises. Authorities have also shut down popular hiking trails, including those around Saidpur village, as part of precautionary steps.
Security arrangements have been significantly enhanced, with thousands of personnel deployed across the twin cities. Reports indicate that around 2,800 police personnel, including snipers, have been positioned at key ÙÙۧ۷ in Islamabad, while additional commandos have been assigned to secure arrivals at Nur Khan Airbase. A separate security plan has also been implemented for high-profile arrivals at Islamabad International Airport.
Advance teams of foreign delegations have already begun arriving in the capital, landing at Nur Khan Airbase, while more dignitaries and VVIPs are expected in the coming days. Although officials have not disclosed the identities of the visiting delegations, the developments come amid expectations of a possible second round of talks between the United States and Iran.
Meanwhile, the Federal Constitutional Court has suspended judicial proceedings for April 20 due to the closure of the Red Zone, though administrative operations will continue remotely.
The heightened security comes against the backdrop of ongoing regional tensions, including the unresolved situation over the Strait of Hormuz and the inconclusive outcome of earlier US-Iran talks held in Islamabad earlier this month.
