Breaking Update: Pakistan on High Alert as US-Iran Second Round Talks Likely in Islamabad

Amid ongoing tensions, preparations for a possible second round of talks between the United States and Iran are intensifying in Pakistan. Authorities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have placed both cities on high alert, anticipating high-level diplomatic engagement in the coming days. Security arrangements have been significantly upgraded compared to the previous round of discussions, which had failed to yield results. In Rawalpindi, over 10,000 security personnel have been deployed across the city, with additional measures including checkpoints, elite commandos, snipers, and specialized Dolphin Force units. Educational institutions, including universities and colleges, have been ordered shut until April 26, with classes shifting to online mode. Hostels have also been vacated as a precautionary step. In Islamabad, key locations such as the Serena Hotel area and Jinnah Convention Centre have been declared high-security zones, with restricted access and heightened surveillance. Public holidays have also been announced to minimize movement and ensure safety during the potential talks. While Pakistan is actively positioning itself as a host for the Negotiations, uncertainty remains. The United States has not confirmed any dates, and Iranian officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh, have stated that Tehran is still reviewing Washington’s proposals and that key obstacles remain unresolved. The failure of the first round in Islamabad has added to skepticism, but Pakistan appears determined to play a central diplomatic role. Whether the talks materialize—and succeed—remains uncertain amid deep divisions between the two sides.