Pakistan eased certain security restrictions previously imposed on Islamabad and Rawalpindi, allowing limited movement of heavy vehicles, after confirmation of a roadblock in the talks between Iran and the United States. Reports predict that a second round of peace negotiations is unlikely in the near future.
Pakistan had imposed the restrictions last week ahead of the proposed talks, resulting in a lockdown paralleling the times of the Covid-19 pandemic in the cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The government deployed more than 10,000 security personnel and enforced tight movement controls.
Amidst the heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran held firm in its unwillingness to accept US President Donald Trump’s demands to relinquish its enchriched Uranium stash. PTI reported that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi left Islamabad on Saturday night without waiting for the arrival of US negotiators while Trump also cancelled his plans to send an American delegation to Pakistan.
Restrictions lessened in both cities on Sunday, with trucks carrying medicines, perishable goods, and essential supplies being permitted to enter the premises. However, the government has warned against traffic diversions on key roads in case foreign delegations arrived at short notice. Police informed that while security deployment was still in place, restrictions on daily travelers have reduced. Some arterial roads may remain closed intermittently, with traffic redirected to alternative routes, away from central Islamabad. Many universities that had shifted to online classes the previous week announced students would be returning to campus on Monday.
Araghchi’s visit saw him hold meetings with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir. He reportedly shared Tehran’s conditions for ending the conflict before leaving for Oman.
He posted on X, calling the visit as “very fruitful” and that Iran values Pakistan’s “good offices and brotherly efforts” in mediating for regional peace.
There are speculations that Araghchi may return to Islamabad from Oman for further talks, before traveling to Russia. However, there has yet to be an official confirmation.
