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Islamabad's Red Zone was closed to the public on Sunday as the capital prepares to welcome foreign delegations for expected talks between the United States and Iran, according to police statements reported by Dawn. The closure comes with extensive security arrangements, including the declaration of two local holidays in Islamabad and Rawalpindi for Thursday and Friday, as reported by the same outlet.

Coverage Comparison

Both reports from Dawn—Pakistan's leading English-language daily—focus on the scale and detail of security preparations. The first report, published earlier, emphasizes the closure of the Red Zone and the arrival of advance teams. The second, published later, adds the declaration of holidays and the reservation of a hotel for delegations. There is no disagreement between the two reports; rather, they complement each other, with the second providing additional administrative measures.

Key Claims

  • Red Zone closure: Police announced that the Red Zone and Extended Red Zone would remain completely closed to all traffic, as reported by Dawn. Public and heavy transport have also been suspended until further orders, according to Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon.
  • Arrival of advance teams: Sources told Dawn that advance teams have started arriving in Islamabad, with at least three US cargo planes landing at Nur Khan Airbase. The teams were later transported to the High Security Zone under tight security. This claim is carried by a single outlet and not independently verified.
  • Hotel evacuation: Luxury hotels in Islamabad have been asked to vacate their premises for foreign VVIPs and delegates, as reported by Dawn. Hotel managements asked guests to leave by Sunday 3pm. A hotel within the Red Zone has been reserved for delegations.
  • Security plan: A security plan for delegates includes pickets, filtration points, routes, patrolling, reserves, and a striking force, as reported by Dawn, citing security sources. The plan is in effect from April 19 until further orders.
  • Barriers and deployment: Approximately 67 points in and around the High Security Zone are being closed with barriers, according to Dawn's report. Armed Rangers will be deployed at high-rise buildings—three points on the west side and 33 on the east side. Police deployments have been made at 14 bridges, loops, and pedestrian crossings on the Expressway.
  • Holidays: Two local holidays have been declared in Islamabad and Rawalpindi for Thursday and Friday to ensure security for the talks, according to a notification from the Office of the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, as reported by Dawn. Essential services, including municipal corporations, police, utilities, and hospitals, remain operational.
  • High alert: All state-run rescue departments and hospitals have been put on high alert, as reported by Dawn, with instructions to remain on standby and ensure availability of staff and supplies.