Pakistan On High Alert As Security Fears Mount Ahead Of Possible US-Iran Talks

Last Updated:April 17, 2026, 10:29 IST

According to sources, intel agencies have warned of possible activation of “sleeper cells” in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, raising fears of a major terror attack.

Pakistan is on high alert amid a convergence of security concerns and sensitive diplomatic activity, with authorities enforcing sweeping precautionary measures across Islamabad and Rawalpindi ahead of a potential high-profile visit. This comes amid reports of possible second round of US-Iran talks in Pakistan.

According to top security sources, intelligence agencies have warned of possible activation of “sleeper cells" in the twin cities, raising fears of a suicide bombing or other major terror attack. These alerts come at a critical time, as Pakistan is expected to host the second round of US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad in the coming days, a development that significantly elevates the threat perception.

Officials say multiple hostile actors, including groups such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), as well as other “foreign spoilers," could attempt to derail the diplomatic process through acts of violence. The possibility of such disruptions has prompted an unprecedented tightening of security protocols.

As part of these measures, authorities have ordered the shutdown of major public transport bus terminals in both cities from April 17 to April 26. Key terminals, including Faizabad and Pirwadhai in Rawalpindi, along with the Karachi Company terminal in Islamabad, have ceased operations, disrupting intercity travel for thousands of commuters. Bus operators have been directed to suspend services from these hubs, with alternative arrangements expected under a revised security plan.

The transport clampdown is accompanied by broader movement restrictions. Heavy vehicular traffic will not be permitted to enter Islamabad and Rawalpindi starting April 18, a move aimed at reducing vulnerabilities in densely populated and strategically sensitive zones. Inter-city travel to and from the twin cities is likely to remain disrupted for at least 10 days.

Security deployment has also been significantly scaled up. Islamabad Police have formally requested additional paramilitary and law enforcement personnel from other provinces to bolster on-ground presence. Enhanced surveillance, checkpoints, and intelligence coordination are being implemented across key entry and exit points.

The urgency of these steps is underscored by past incidents. Investigators have indicated that the perpetrator of a recent mosque attack in Islamabad had travelled via public transport from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, exposing gaps in transit monitoring that authorities are now seeking to address.

While officials maintain that these measures are precautionary, the scale of the response reflects deep concerns about potential threats during a diplomatically sensitive period.

News world Pakistan On High Alert As Security Fears Mount Ahead Of Possible US-Iran Talks

Read More