Pakistan lifts strict security measures in Islamabad and Rawalpindi as US-Iran peace talks stall

As Pakistan prepared to host the second round of US-Iran mediation talks, authorities maintained strict security measures in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, easing only limited restrictions on heavy vehicle movement after it became clear the talks were unlikely to take place.

US cancels second round of talks

US President Donald Trump cancelled a planned trip by US officials to Pakistan for talks on the Iran war on Saturday, shortly after Tehran's delegation had left Islamabad.

Islamabad earlier hosted the first round of talks which proved to be a failure. As the news disseminated that Pak is going to host the fresh talks, authorities had deployed more than 10,000 security personnel and enforced tight movement controls, effectively shutting down large parts of both cities to manage traffic and ensure security.

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Araghchi in Pakistan

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on Saturday after which he left for Iran and again returned to Islamabad on Sunday evening following his recent diplomatic engagements in Oman.

During his visit, Araghchi held meetings with Pakistan’s top leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir. He is understood to have shared Tehran’s conditions for ending the ongoing conflict before departing for Oman.

Describing his visit as “very fruitful,” Araghchi said in a post on X that Iran values Pakistan’s “good offices and brotherly efforts” in facilitating regional peace.

Araghchi landed in Russia on Monday where he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and hold discussions aiming at ending the war between Iran, Israel, and the US.

Vehicles allowed to enter both cities

On Sunday, trucks carrying medicines, perishable goods, and other essential supplies were permitted to enter the twin cities. However, authorities cautioned that traffic diversions could still be enforced on key roads if foreign delegations arrive at short notice.

Police said that while security deployment remains in place, restrictions on regular commuters have been eased. Some arterial roads may still be closed intermittently, with traffic redirected to alternative routes, often located away from central Islamabad.