Pakistan’s capital Islamabad appears to be in a near-lockdown, hours after Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived on a closely watched visit as Pakistan attempts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran.
The weeklong security restrictions have disrupted daily life, with hundreds of thousands of residents struggling to commute even short distances. Checkpoints, road closures and diversions have become routine sights, particularly around sensitive zones.
The usually busy arteries leading to the airport and the heavily fortified Red Zone are largely deserted, with movement tightly restricted. Soldiers and police are at key intersections while helicopters circle overhead.
The measures were reinforced over the past 24 hours on the city’s outskirts with additional forces stationed along key airport access routes.
Soldiers are visible on rooftops overlooking major approach roads, particularly near the airport where the Iranian delegation arrived late yesterday.
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