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Pakistan declared a two-day holiday in the capital, Islamabad, shutting schools and government offices and imposing broad movement restrictions as authorities tightened security ahead of U.S.-Iran talks later this week.
The measures were aimed at keeping people off the roads as security preparations intensified across the city.
Officials also blocked key roads linking Islamabad with neighboring Rawalpindi and placed shipping containers at multiple points to restrict movement and limit public access to sensitive areas.
The two-day holiday closed schools and government offices in Islamabad.
Authorities imposed sweeping restrictions across the capital as part of the security buildup ahead of the expected talks.
The restrictions included roadblocks and the closure of important routes connecting Islamabad to Rawalpindi.
Shipping containers were positioned at several locations in the city to control traffic and reduce access to sensitive zones.
Islamabad appeared unusually quiet on Thursday as many residents stayed home.
Traffic diversions forced longer commutes between Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
The restrictions changed the city's normal rhythm as officials worked to limit movement ahead of the talks.
The restrictions came after unrest in March, when protests by Shiite groups broke out across Pakistan in response to U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Over two dozen people were killed in those demonstrations nationwide.
In Karachi, 12 people were killed when protesters stormed the U.S. consulate and tried to set it on fire.
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