ISLAMABAD
For nearly a week, Pakistan’s capital has been waiting for peace talks between the U.S. and Iran to take place there, and although there is no sign the two sides will meet, large parts of the city remain sealed off by authorities. Key roads leading into Islamabad are shut down and a strict security cordon envelops the administrative centre, the so-called Red Zone. In the adjacent Blue Area, cafes have run out of fruit, markets are deserted and with no service at bus terminals, weekend commuters are struggling to get home. Government officials say the measures are not ending any time soon and that they are ever ready for delegates, including U.S. President Donald Trump, to show up at a moment’s notice. We have been told that the talks could be held any day, one official said.