Islamabad is moving rapidly towards a full security lockdown, with official traffic restrictions, on-the-ground measures and military activity all pointing to the likely arrival of foreign delegations for a possible second round of United States–Iran talks, BPI News understands.
In a public video statement, Islamabad Traffic Police confirmed that sweeping road closures and diversion plans have been activated across the capital in connection with the arrival of foreign delegations.
The Red Zone and Extended Red Zone will remain completely closed, while the Islamabad Expressway from Koral to Zero Point has been shut to all traffic. Authorities warned that traffic on the Srinagar Highway may also be stopped at intervals.
All heavy transport entering Islamabad from any direction has been suspended, with officials advising transport operators to avoid the city entirely. Residents have been instructed to follow alternative routes, with detailed diversion plans issued across key sectors including G-5, G-6, G-7, F-6 and F-7.
Traffic from Faisal Avenue is being redirected towards Ninth Avenue, while additional diversions have been mapped through Murree Road, Stadium Road, Korang Road and surrounding routes to manage expected closures.
The scale and specificity of the plan indicates preparations for high-level movements within the capital.
Residents, Guests And Security Sources Confirm Ground-Level Restrictions
These official measures align with accounts gathered by BPI News from residents, hotel guests and security sources.
Residents along routes between Nur Khan Airbase and the Serena Hotel said they have been instructed not to record convoy movements, while security personnel have been deployed on rooftops overlooking key roads.
Hotel guests at major locations in Islamabad told BPI News they have been asked to leave, with management informing them that no new bookings will be accepted in the coming days.
Security sources said these steps closely mirror the first round of talks held on April 11, when hotels were cleared, weddings were cancelled and large parts of the capital were placed under strict movement control.
At the administrative level, public and heavy transport has been formally suspended across Islamabad, with similar restrictions imposed in Rawalpindi, where more than 10,000 police personnel have been deployed.
US Military Presence Spotted As Talks Timeline Narrows
Further indication of imminent activity has emerged from Nur Khan Airbase, where a United States Air Force C-17 cargo aircraft was filmed landing.
Footage reviewed by BPI News shows the aircraft which in the last round of talks was carrying armoured vehicles, trucks and pallets of equipment, suggesting logistical preparations consistent with a high-profile diplomatic or security event.
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Three Pakistani security sources told BPI News that a second round of US–Iran negotiations is likely to take place before Friday, with preparations now entering an advanced stage.
Iran Signals Readiness But Maintains Strategic Ambiguity
Despite the visible preparations in Islamabad, Iran continues to send mixed signals.
The Supreme National Security Council confirmed that new US proposals are under review following recent mediation efforts involving Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Two sources in Iran told BPI News the Iranian delegation has been placed on standby to travel to Islamabad at short notice.
However, internal divisions are emerging, with hard-line opposition to a deal reportedly intensifying, potentially complicating Tehran’s final decision.
Ceasefire Deadline And Strait Of Hormuz Tensions Add Pressure
The diplomatic push comes as the two-week ceasefire approaches its expiry on Wednesday.
The Strait of Hormuz briefly reopened before being shut again, with Iran linking access to the lifting of a US naval blockade.
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said talks had made “progress” but warned a final agreement remains distant.
At the same time, maritime tensions have escalated, with reports of warning fire, vessel damage and threats against shipping.
Yemen’s Houthi movement has also warned it could move to shut the Bab al-Mandab strait if negotiations collapse, raising the risk of wider disruption to global trade routes.
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