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Islamabad Under Security Lockdown for Historic Peace Talks
Islamabad has been placed under an unprecedented security lockdown as Pakistan prepares to host high-stakes peace negotiations between the United States and Iran . The Islamabad Traffic Police has issued a comprehensive advisory detailing road closures and alternate routes to manage the movement of foreign delegations, including US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf .
The Red Zone — housing key government buildings, diplomatic missions, and luxury hotels — has been completely sealed to all non-official traffic, with authorities declaring a two-day local holiday in the capital to minimize civilian movement .
Complete List of Closed Roads
The following major arteries will remain completely closed for the duration of the talks :
| Road Name | Segment Closed |
|---|---|
| Srinagar Highway | Kashmir Chowk (Club Road) to Zero Point, and Zero Point to Serena Chowk |
| Shakarparian Road | Chand Tara Chowk to Seventh Avenue |
| Jinnah Avenue | Khayaban Chowk towards Blue Area |
| Margalla Road | Faisal Chowk to Trail 3 |
| Islamabad Expressway | Zero Point to Koral Chowk |
In addition, roads leading to Nur Khan Airbase and Old Airport Road have been blocked using containers and barbed wire. Neighborhoods including Shah Khalid Colony, Gulzar-e-Quaid, and Airport Housing Society face significant access restrictions .
Heavy Traffic Ban and Holiday Declaration
Authorities have imposed a ban on heavy traffic entering Islamabad on April 11 and 12 . The federal government also declared a two-day local holiday on April 11-12 to facilitate security logistics and minimize disruption .
Armed police have set up multiple checkpoints across the city, and emergency services and hospitals in both Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been directed to remain on standby .
Detailed Alternate Routes for Commuters
| Route | Alternate Path |
|---|---|
| Peshawar → Rawalpindi (via GT Road) | Taxila Motorway, Chakri, Chak Beli Road, or Rawat Road |
| Lahore → Peshawar (via GT Road) | Rawat, Chak Beli Road, Chakri, Taxila Motorway |
| Faisal Avenue → Zero Point | Diverted towards 9th Avenue |
| Bhara Kahu → Rawalpindi | Korang Road, Bani Gala, Lehtrar Road, or GT Road |
| Peshawar → Lahore | Taxila Motorway, or Tarnol Phatak to Fateh Jang Motorway |
| Colonel Sher Khan Road → Faisal Avenue | Use Stadium Road via 9th Avenue signal |
| Sectors G-5, F-6, G-6, G-7 → Rawalpindi | Use 9th Avenue via Murree Road |
| Rawalpindi → Islamabad | Use 9th Avenue (via Saddar Road) |
Commuters traveling from Rawalpindi to Islamabad are advised to use Chakri Road, Chak Beli Road, or the Motorway for smoother travel .
Security Measures and International Context
The security lockdown extends beyond Islamabad into Rawalpindi district, which has also been placed on high alert . Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has assured “foolproof security” for visiting dignitaries, calling the foreign delegates “our special guests” . A 30-member US advance team has already arrived in Islamabad to review security measures on the ground .
The talks come amid a fragile two-week conditional ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, brokered through Pakistan’s diplomatic intervention . The negotiations aim to transform the temporary truce into a lasting peace arrangement, with the US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance and the Iranian delegation headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf .
Authorities have urged citizens to plan their travel in advance, follow instructions from on-ground personnel, and cooperate with traffic police to avoid inconvenience during this high-profile diplomatic engagement.
