ISLAMABAD, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Large-scale combing search operations have been launched in different areas of Pakistan's federal capital Islamabad, with patrol units and special squads patrolling the city, according to local police on Thursday.
Meanwhile, special checkpoints have been set up at various locations. Army and Rangers personnel are also present at the checkpoints along with the Islamabad Police, Xinhua witnessed.
Similar arrangements took place last week before the peace talks between the United States and Iran to end their recent hostilities in the Middle East region.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance led the U.S. team and arrived at Islamabad on Saturday. Prior to their arrival, the Iranian delegation, led by parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, reached Pakistan the same day. The two sides had intensive talks for over 20 hours and reached no agreement.
Speculation arose from media reports that the two sides are likely to hold another round of talks in Islamabad. Iran's Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam said on Thursday that Islamabad remains the only venue for talks with the United States, adding that "we only trust Pakistan," while speaking at an event here.
A Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday that the country is maintaining communication channels between the United States and Iran as part of its efforts to facilitate dialogue, adding that no dates have been finalized for the next round of talks between the two sides, and consultations are ongoing for a mutually agreed schedule.
Sources said that over 10,000 security personnel were mobilized and deployed on both sides of the road from Nur Khan airbase to Serena hotel during the last talks, but this time the number is almost doubled and the presence and movement of military personnel is extended to other roads.
Meanwhile, separate sources said that the federal capital administration has ordered the concerned departments to beautify the respected area, including the roads leading from the Nur Khan airbase to Serena hotel and the red zone. ■
