Islamabad imposes emergency measures ahead of US–Iran talks

A red alert has been declared in the capital, Islamabad, ahead of upcoming talks between the United States and Iran.

More than 10,000 security personnel have been deployed in Islamabad as part of a multi-layered security system overseen by the military, the newspaper Dawn reports.

Military personnel and paramilitary rangers have taken control of the so-called Red Zone, which houses government buildings and the diplomatic enclave. All roads leading to the area have been sealed off. Rapid Response Force units have been stationed at multiple points within the zone.

Additional checkpoints have been set up by national and city traffic police on all major roads across the city of more than two million residents. Separate routes have been designated for the movement of US and Iranian negotiators in Islamabad.

It has also been reported that personal security staff of high-level officials will be prohibited from carrying any electronic devices, including mobile phones and smartwatches.

City authorities have further strengthened arrangements to ensure the uninterrupted operation of emergency services, including fire and ambulance units.

By Vugar Khalilov