Islamabad residents bear cost of Pakistan's US-Iran mediation
Residents of Islamabad are bearing significant economic and security costs as Pakistan's capital serves as the epicentre of US-Iran ceasefire mediation efforts. Business activity has slowed and living costs have risen amid escalated military presence.

Islamabad's residents face mounting pressures as the Pakistani capital becomes the focal point for US-Iran ceasefire negotiations. Security measures have intensified, key roads have been closed, and commercial activity has slowed significantly due to ongoing diplomatic missions.
Unpredictability surrounding the timing and outcome of peace talks has disrupted business operations across transport, hospitality, and service sectors. Many local shops and restaurants have seen customer traffic decline due to security cordons and restricted access to central areas.
Pakistan plays a critical role in regional geopolitics but the burden falls on ordinary citizens. If the conflict continues, Pakistan's economy will face added pressure from elevated energy import costs and disrupted regional trade flows that depend on secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
More from Japan

Japan stocks close at historic high on hopes for progress in US-Iran talks
The Nikkei 225 index surged to a historic record on optimistic reports about US-Iran peace talks. Japan's equity market has broken all-time highs amid regional stability hopes.

Japan's IHI, Mitsubishi Heavy race to train nuclear plant workers
Japan's IHI and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are expanding worker training programs for nuclear plants as the country accelerates reactor restarts amid energy security concerns.

Honda to shelve $11bn Canada EV plant as demand sputters
Honda announced it is shelving its $11 billion Canadian EV plant amid weakening demand for electric vehicles and market uncertainty.