ISLAMABAD / RAWALPINDI (April 20, 2026) — The federal capital has been placed under an unprecedented security blanket as advance teams and foreign VVIPs began arriving at Nur Khan Airbase for the second round of high-stakes US-Iran peace negotiations. The Red Zone and its extended perimeters have been completely sealed, with over 10,000 security personnel deployed to ensure foolproof protection for the delegates.
Security at a Glance
- Red Zone Completely closed to all public and heavy traffic; 67 entry points blocked with barriers and oil tankers.
- Advance teams and three US cargo planes have landed; delegates are being housed in luxury hotels vacated specifically for the summit.
- A joint force of 10,000+ personnel, including Capital Police, FC, Rangers, and 400 Elite Commandos.
- All hiking trails (Trails 2, 3, 4, and 5) and markets along the VVIP route remain closed until further orders.
‘Preparations are already in place here in Pakistan. Islamabad is in a state of lockdown, at least in the red zone and several other areas, where the roads are closed.’ reports Al Jazeera’s Kamal Hyder from Islamabad.
🟥 Read report: https://t.co/t2YoEXUAcP pic.twitter.com/tqSPtEijwx
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) April 20, 2026
Multi-layered defense and surveillance
The security plan, which went into effect on April 19, involves a sophisticated multi-tier strategy. Armed Rangers and 130 snipers have taken positions atop 33 high-rise buildings from Zero Point to Aabpara, while sharpshooters monitor 14 bridges and pedestrian crossings along the Islamabad Expressway. The Special Branch has been tasked with continuous technical sweeping and intelligence gathering, with a strict ban on mobile phone usage for officers on duty to prevent communication leaks.
Rawalpindi and Airport security
Rawalpindi police have enacted a parallel plan to secure the route from Nur Khan Airbase and Islamabad International Airport. This includes 2,800 personnel, 4,000 Punjab Highway Patrol officers, and specialized Dolphin Force units. Traffic is being managed through alternate plans, with complete blockades only occurring during the actual movement of VVIP convoys to minimize long-term disruption for citizens.
In a rare move, the management of major luxury hotels in the capital requested all regular guests to vacate by Sunday afternoon to create a “sterile environment” for the international delegations. Service roads, marriage halls, and shops along the primary transit routes have been shut down, and the capital administration has prohibited all parking along the route from Koral to the High Security Zone.
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