No US-Iran peace talks in sight, but Islamabad maintains security lockdown
New Delhi: For nearly a week, Islamabad has remained on edge in anticipation of possible peace talks between the U.S. and Iran. Although no meeting has been confirmed, large parts of the city continue to be under tight security restrictions.
Major entry routes into the capital have been sealed, while the high-security “Red Zone” remains heavily guarded. Nearby commercial hubs such as the “Blue Area” have been severely affected, with markets largely deserted, cafes facing shortages, and bus terminals shut—leaving many commuters stranded.
Government Officials say the measures will remain in place, as authorities are prepared for a potential visit by delegates, including U.S. President Donald Trump, at short notice.
“We have been told that the talks could be held any day,” a government official said.
This marks the second lockdown in two weeks. Islamabad was first sealed on April 11 for a round of U.S.-Iran talks that concluded without an agreement. After briefly reopening, restrictions were reimposed in anticipation of a second round that has yet to materialise.
For residents, the uncertainty has been particularly disruptive. The city, known for its transient population, has seen daily routines upended, with many unable to travel home for the weekend.
Rizwana Raees, 35, a resident attempting to return to Abbottabad, arrived at a bus terminal on Thursday only to find it closed.
“Sometimes the government and media say that the delegations are coming, sometimes they say they aren’t,” she said after she called her family for help. “Nobody knows and at this point, even if they come, no one will believe it till they see pictures and videos of them actually here.”
Eventually, her brother managed to arrange transport for her through a shared ride service.
Abdur Rehman Irshad, a manager at the terminal, said operations had been suspended for nearly a week, affecting more than 1,000 passengers daily. “People come here because it’s a popular station,” he said. “But they are sent back.”
No Strawberries And No News
Inside the lobby of a luxury hotel in Islamabad, journalists from around the world—who had arrived to cover anticipated U.S.-Iran talks—find themselves in a prolonged wait. Camera crews remain on standby, equipment is set, and phones are constantly checked, but after days of uncertainty, there is little concrete news to report.
“I don’t know how many times I’m going to have to request laundry,” said Fadi Mansour, Al Jazeera’s White House correspondent, who had flown in from Washington for what he thought would be a short trip. “We really don’t know where we’re headed.”
The extended lockdown has also disrupted the city’s food supply chain. Saif-ur-Rehman Abbasi, 36, a fruit and vegetable vendor, said delivery trucks have been stranded outside the city due to strict security measures.
“You can’t have fruit and vegetables stuck in transport vehicles outside the city – they’re sensitive, they’re perishables,” he said. “We have rent to pay and a business to run.”
In the Blue Area, one of the city’s main commercial hubs, cafes are facing shortages of fresh ingredients. Staff at a popular outlet reported running out of strawberries, with several other supplies also dwindling.
The surrounding markets remain unusually quiet, as residents avoid navigating lengthy detours around the heavily restricted Red Zone to access the area.
“When Islamabad opens up, Hormuz closes,” a waiter at the cafe said, referring to the Strait of Hormuz, a sticking point in the negotiations. “When Hormuz opens, Islamabad closes.”
As of Friday, both remained effectively at a standstill, with no clear timeline for resolution, leaving the city—and those waiting—caught in continued limbo.
(DD News)
