Pakistan’s capital of Islamabad has maintained its security lockdown throughout the week in the hopes that U.S. and Iranian negotiators might return to resume the talks that broke down last weekend.
On Friday, President Donald Trump said his envoys are returning to Pakistan and Iran’s foreign minister appears to be en route, as well.
Islamabad’s lockdown has been close to the pandemic in its intensity, with shops closed, streets empty, and office staff working from home. Public unrest with the stringent security precautions is growing, especially among laborers who cannot earn wages or find lodgings.
“It is like we are living in a cage. We can’t go back to work. Many like me can’t afford to rent a flat, that’s why we live in hostels,” an Islamabad resident complained to the UK Guardian on Wednesday.
The lockdown was all the more difficult to accept because Pakistan’s economy was
Continue reading
Join the conversation!
Please share your thoughts about this article below. We value your opinions, and would love to see you add to the discussion!