Betsy Joles

The city's traffic police said in a video announcement that several routes into the city have been blocked and the high-security red zone, which houses government buildings and embassies, has now been completely sealed.

Even several hiking trails in the lush Margala Hills on the city's edge were closed on Monday.

Pakistan's government has given no formal indication about the status of its ongoing mediation efforts.

For NPR News, I'm Betsy Joles in Islamabad.

Public transport in the city has been suspended, two five-star hotels have been cleared of guests, and movement in and out of the high-security red zone has been restricted.

Islamabad shut down in a similar fashion ahead of the first round of peace talks that were held in the city last weekend.

Those talks ended without a deal.

Pakistan says it has continued to act as a mediator between the U.S.

and Iran since then, though its foreign ministry has remained tight-lipped about what negotiations have entailed.

For NPR News, I'm Betsy Joles in Islamabad.

Public transport in the city has been suspended, two five-star hotels have been cleared of guests, and movement in and out of the high-security red zone has been restricted.

Islamabad shut down in a similar fashion ahead of the first round of peace talks that were held in the city last weekend.

Those talks ended without a deal.

Pakistan says it has continued to act as a mediator between the U.S.

and Iran since then, though its foreign ministry has remained tight-lipped about what negotiations have entailed.

For NPR News, I'm Betsy Joles in Islamabad.

There are some hints that the next round of talks might take place soon.

Earlier this weekend, administrators in both Islamabad and its sister city, Rawalpindi, denied reports that commercial activity and transport were being curtailed.

Then, on Sunday, they announced on social media the suspension of public transport until further notice.

Another clue that preparations are underway is restricted movement in and out of Islamabad's red zone, a high-security sector that houses government buildings and most embassies.