Residents of Pakistan’s capital Islamabad and neighbouring Rawalpindi have expressed growing frustration over ongoing security restrictions, urging authorities to ease measures that have disrupted daily life and commuting.

A weeklong, lockdown-like security clampdown has left roads leading to Islamabad’s heavily secured Red Zone largely deserted at times, with concrete barricades, barbed wire and a heavy presence of security personnel replacing the usual traffic flow.

The restrictions have significantly affected commuters between the twin cities, increasing travel time and inconvenience.

“We were happy that Pakistan is hosting these talks to end the war between the United States and Iran. But now almost a week has passed, and it takes me one to two hours instead of 30 minutes to reach home from Islamabad to Rawalpindi,” said Sher Khan, a lift operator at a shopping plaza.

Authorities have deployed thousands of police and paramilitary personnel since last weekend as part of heightened security arrangements.

However, uncertainty persists over the timing of the expected talks, with no official announcement yet.

Pakistan is still working to secure Iran’s participation, while the visit of the US delegation also remains on hold.