Pakistan ramps up security in Islamabad, Rawalpindi ahead of 2nd phase of peace talks

-- Another 7,000 police contingent sought as authorities cite manpower shortages

-- Bus terminals shut, surveillance tightened amid heightened threat concerns

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has placed the federal capital Islamabad and the adjoining garrison city of Rawalpindi on high alert, rolling out extraordinary security measures ahead of the expected arrival of key foreign delegations and possible diplomatic engagements, police sources said.

Senior police officials told Pakistan Today that a high-level meeting was held late last night to review the overall security situation, assess potential threats and evaluate administrative preparedness. Officials acknowledged that existing manpower was insufficient to meet heightened security requirements, prompting an immediate request for reinforcements.

According to sources, around 7,000 personnel have been requisitioned from Punjab Police, of whom approximately 3,000 have already reached Islamabad. The remaining personnel are being deployed in phases from multiple districts across Punjab.

Arrangements have been finalized to accommodate the additional force at various government facilities, including the Liaquat Gymnasium and an educational institution in Islamabad’s F-7 sector. Paramilitary forces, including Rangers and the Federal Constabulary, have also been called in to further strengthen the security apparatus.

Authorities have intensified search operations across the capital and established additional checkpoints at key locations. Repair work on the Islamabad Expressway is being expedited to ensure smooth movement of diplomatic convoys between Nur Khan Airbase and the Red Zone.

Security has been tightened at entry and exit points of the city, sensitive installations, major roads and government buildings. Intelligence agencies, including the Special Branch and Counter Terrorism Department, have been directed to enhance surveillance in informal settlements, forested areas, bus terminals and suburban localities.

Hotels and guest houses across Islamabad have been placed under strict monitoring, with authorities accelerating the process of verifying guest records.

In Rawalpindi, the district administration has taken additional steps, including the closure of all major public transport terminals for 10 days, with restrictions set to remain in place until April 26. Transport union representatives have been formally notified of the decision.

The move was finalized during a meeting attended by officials from the district administration, traffic police, the Regional Transport Authority and transport unions, where the security situation was reviewed in detail. More than 100 bus terminal owners and union representatives participated in the consultation process.

Authorities have also indicated that smaller bus stands in various parts of the city may be shut if required, while inter city buses and coaches could be barred from entering Rawalpindi depending on the evolving security situation.

Transport union officials said the decision to suspend operations was taken purely on security grounds to effectively manage any potential threat, urging the public to cooperate with authorities.

Pakistan recently hosted diplomatic engagements involving the United States and Iran, and sources suggest a possible second round of talks could take place in Islamabad, although the Foreign Office has not officially confirmed any dates.

Overall, the sweeping security arrangements in the twin cities underscore authorities’ intent to remain fully prepared and avoid any security lapses amid a sensitive regional environment.