Red Zone sealed as capital prepares for high-stakes Iran-US talks

ISLAMABAD: Two local holidays have been declared in Islamabad and Rawalpindi for Thursday and Friday to guarantee security during peace negotiations between Iran and the US.

In view of the significance of the talks, strict security arrangements have been made, and law enforcement agencies along with security forces will be part of it.

For this purpose, a hotel situated in the Red Zone area has been booked, and guests have been asked by the government to leave the hotel premises.

According to sources, at the directions of the federal government, hotel management sent a letter to its guests informing them that the hotel premises would be taken by the government till Sunday evening for some important proceedings.

As per an announcement made by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, 9th and 10th of April have been made holidays in the Islamabad Capital Territory, barring any essential services. The essential services include Municipal Corporation Islamabad, the Capital Development Authority, the Islamabad Capital Territory administration, Islamabad Police, Islamabad Electric Supply Corporation, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, and hospitals.

The police facilitation centers meant for issuance of licenses, etc., however, were expected to remain closed for the public.

Furthermore, all the state run departments including rescue service and hospitals were placed on high alert.

"They have been instructed to keep their men and resources ready and be prepared for all possible emergencies," sources said.

It is to be noted that various meetings have been arranged in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Wednesday to chalk out security plans for forthcoming days.