Capital on high alert for high-stakes talks

Over 2,500 Punjab Police personnel deployed to bolster Islamabad's security

RAWALPINDI:

More than 2,500 Punjab Police personnel have been deployed in the federal capital to ensure stringent security ahead of the expected second round of Iran–United States ceasefire and peace talks, which may be attended by the presidents of both countries.

The deployment is led by a Deputy Inspector General (DIG), supported by eight District Police Officers (DPOs) and 16 senior officers, including SSPs and SPs. It also includes 100 teams of Elite Force commandos.

All personnel will remain in Islamabad to assist the capital police in providing security to VVIPs throughout their stay.

Officials said the anticipated talks have prompted extensive security preparations across the city, with Punjab Police called in to reinforce local arrangements. The deployment, approved by the Inspector General of Punjab Police, is being overseen by DIG Riot Management Asad Sarfraz.

The contingent comprises 1,400 Riot Management Police personnel equipped with full anti-riot gear, 800 Elite Force commandos under SP Hassan Afzal with full operational capability, and a further 100 personnel under Battalion Commander PC-2 Ataur Rehman, supported by two DSPs.

Additionally, eight DPOs have been directed to report to Islamabad along with two DSPs, four SHOs and 100 armed personnel.

Officers assigned to the duty include DPO Chakwal Kashif Zulfiqar, DPO Sahiwal Usman Tipu, DPO Sargodha Shoaib Ashraf, DPO Layyah Hassan Javed Bhatti, DPO Bhakkar Shehzad Rafiq, DPO Toba Tek Singh Akhlaq Tarar, DPO Mandi Bahauddin Abdur Rahim Shirazi, and DPO Lodhran Ali Bin Tariq.

Senior officers, including SSP Operations Faisalabad Saleem Abbas, SSP Operations Multan Haider Ali, Deputy Commandant Sahala Abdul Rauf Babar, RIB SSP Sargodha Azhar Yaqoob, and Gujranwala Operations SSP Ghayur Ahmed, along with 16 SPs and DSPs, have also been assigned security duties.

DIG Asad Sarfraz has been designated as the focal person for the Punjab Police during the deployment. Islamabad Police officials, including DIG Jameel Zafar, AIG Logistics Abdul Haq Umrani and SP Shams Durrani, have been tasked with ensuring accommodation and welfare arrangements for the visiting force.

Meanwhile, the capital has been placed on high alert. Police, Rangers and Frontier Corps personnel have been deployed at sensitive locations and around the Red Zone, where entry of unauthorised individuals has been restricted.

Additional checkpoints have been established on major roads, and all vehicles entering the city are being subjected to thorough checks. Authorities have also intensified action against vehicles with tinted windows.