Large parts of Islamabad have been effectively shut down under sweeping security measures imposed ahead of expected US-Iran talks, leaving residents cut off from work, transport and essential services as uncertainty persists over whether the negotiations will take place.

Public transport has been suspended, offices closed and workers instructed to operate from home where possible. Streets in the capital remain largely empty, with movement restricted and security personnel from the army and police deployed across key routes.

For many residents, the situation has drawn comparisons with restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, though officials say the current measures are linked to security preparations for high-level diplomatic engagements.

The restrictions have also extended to neighboring Rawalpindi, intensifying disruption across the twin cities that form a major administrative and economic hub. While authorities have framed the measures as necessary to ensure safety for visiting delegations, delays and uncertainty surrounding the talks have heightened public frustration.

Workers living in temporary accommodations have been among the hardest hit. Following a government directive, many hostel residents were required to vacate their rooms on short notice, forcing thousands to seek alternative arrangements. Some returned to their hometowns, while others relied on friends or colleagues for temporary shelter.

Areej Akthar, a health officer at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, said the sudden eviction created confusion and distress. She was able to travel back to her village, approximately three hours away, but said many others lacked similar options. According to her account, workers from distant regions struggled to find accommodation as they waited for clarity on when restrictions might be lifted.

With public transport suspended, many displaced workers have been unable to return to their jobs. Akthar described the situation as restrictive, noting that those dependent on shared housing could not afford alternative arrangements.

The uncertainty surrounding the duration of the lockdown has compounded concerns, particularly for those in lower-income groups.Economic pressures have intensified as the restrictions intersect with broader regional developments.

Since late February, escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran have disrupted global energy markets. Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for oil and gas shipments, has contributed to supply shortages affecting countries including Pakistan.

In Islamabad, fuel shortages have led to power outages lasting several hours daily, while limited availability of cooking gas has forced many restaurants to shut down. Businesses that had managed to continue operations amid the energy constraints have now been closed due to the security lockdown, further reducing economic activity.

Transport workers have also reported sharp declines in income. Taxi drivers in the capital said their earnings have dropped by about half as movement restrictions reduced demand. Daily wage earners have been particularly vulnerable, with many unable to work for several consecutive days.

Muhammad Zubair, a labourer in Islamabad, said the loss of income had immediate consequences for his household. Speaking from a roadside location, he questioned the benefits of hosting high-level diplomatic talks when basic economic needs remain unmet. He said that without work, he could not provide food for his family, reflecting concerns widely shared among informal sector workers.

The disruption has extended beyond employment to education and administrative processes. Authorities have relocated civil service examinations for more than 1,200 candidates to Lahore, approximately 370 kilometers from the capital. Candidates expressed concern over the additional financial burden and logistical challenges associated with travel.

Yasir Mushtaq, one of the candidates, said he would need to borrow money to attend the examination. He also highlighted the difficulties faced by female candidates, noting that some may be unable to travel without family accompaniment and could therefore miss the opportunity to sit for the exams.

Officials have acknowledged the scale of disruption, with one senior figure describing the situation as a nationwide slowdown linked to external geopolitical developments. The official said the country appeared to be in a holding pattern, awaiting decisions from Washington and Tehran regarding the proposed negotiations.

Despite the extensive preparations, uncertainty remains over whether the talks will proceed as planned. In the absence of a confirmed timeline, residents continue to face restrictions with no clear indication of when normal activity will resume.The prolonged lockdown has raised questions about the balance between security requirements and economic sustainability.

While authorities have not publicly indicated a timeline for lifting restrictions, the ongoing disruption is likely to deepen challenges for vulnerable populations already affected by rising energy costs and reduced economic opportunities.