Citizens face inconvenience as business, travel and routine services come to a halt
A roadblock for security measures near Serena Hotel, as Pakistan prepares to host the US and Iran for peace talks, in Islamabad. PHOTO: REUTERS
RAWALPINDI:
Rawalpindi has been completely sealed under strict security arrangements due to two-day peace talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, paralysing daily life.
The situation will continue through Saturday and Sunday.
Markets, parks and all public spaces are closed, while police and law enforcement agencies are patrolling across the city. All public and private schools, colleges, universities and offices are shut, along with district courts.
In Chaklala’s Nur Khan Airbase areas, all marriage halls and marquees are sealed, affecting 34 weddings over three days. Families have shifted simple rukhsati ceremonies to homes, while walima events have been postponed until April 13.
Metro and green bus services are suspended. Markets, hotels, food outlets, electronics and jewellery shops, workshops and major roads including Murree Road and Rawal Road are closed.
Within a two- to three-kilometre radius of the airbase, Section 144 has been imposed, banning rooftop access, pigeon flying, kite flying and aerial firing. Double riding on motorcycles is also banned, with some relaxation for women.
Petrol pumps, food chains, langar halls and even fruit and vegetable vendors in these areas have been shut. Major parks including Allama Iqbal Park, Rawal Park and Dhoke Munshi Park are closed for three days.
Citizens have expressed mixed reactions. Some supported the measures for security, while others questioned the closure of essential businesses in Rawalpindi when the talks are being held in Islamabad.
Murree Road closed
On the other hand, Murree Road and Rawal Road from Marrir Chowk to Faizabad will remain completely closed for two days due to ceasefire talks between Iranian and American representatives in Islamabad.
Metro bus service and the green electric bus service will also remain suspended.
All shops on Murree Road and in Saddar will be shut down completely, with trader associations directed to ensure full compliance. The deputy commissioner and CPO stated that a strict zero tolerance policy would be enforced.
All small markets around Chaklala’s Nur Khan Airbase will remain sealed for two days, while standing on rooftops and balconies has been prohibited. Within a three-kilometre radius of the airbase, pigeon flying, kite flying and aerial firing have been banned, with orders for immediate FIRs and arrests in case of violations.
Trader bodies have signed compliance notices. Traffic wardens have been directed to take strict action against underage riders and those without licenses, registration, ownership documents or ID cards, with motorcycles to be impounded and FIRs registered.
Security heightened
Meanwhile, security and law enforcement agencies were placed on high alert in Rawalpindi and Islamabad on the occasion of the arrival and movement of foreign delegations attending IranUS ceasefire talks.
Inspector General of Punjab Police Rao Abdul Karim remained present in Rawalpindi alongside the Rawalpindi Regional Police Officer and City Police Officer Syed Khalid Hamdani, personally overseeing security arrangements.
It was decided that heightened security would remain in place until the conclusion of the high-level talks and the departure of all visiting delegations.
The arrival of foreign delegations for high-level talks in Islamabad is ongoing. On Friday, stringent security measures were maintained across the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Under the directives of Hamdani, Rawalpindi Police enforced a citywide high alert, with extraordinary measures in place to ensure the safe movement of foreign delegates and the provision of foolproof security.
Senior officers, including CPO Khalid Hamdani, DPO Chakwal Kashif Zulfiqar, DPO Murree Dr Raza Tanveer Sapra, SSP Operations Malik Tariq Mehmood, SSP Investigation Nasir Ali, Chief Traffic Officer Farhan Aslam, SP Security Asghar Goraya, as well as divisional SPs, SDPOs and other officials, remained in the field supervising duties.
More than 5,000 police officers and personnel were deployed on security duties. Over 350 special pickets were established, with strict monitoring of all entry and exit points of the city, while additional personnel were stationed along key thoroughfares.
