Ruptly
"Life began to return to normal in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad on Monday, after authorities lifted the restrictions imposed for the aborted new round of US-Iran talks over the weekend. The visit of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi did go ahead, as he journeyed to Pakistan, Oman - and Russia on Monday. Footage on Monday showed the return of traffic to the capital’s streets, with cars and vehicles moving freely in the Red Zone, which houses Pakistan’s key government institutions. Other shots showed the Serena Hotel, where the US-Iran talks were held earlier this month - and where they were expected this time too. "The city has finally reopened, bringing relief and happiness to everyone—not just traders, but buyers as well. We had all been under considerable stress due to the many problems we were facing here, so this change comes as a much-needed breath of fresh air," sad Muhammad Naeem, a resident. On Sunday, Pakistani authorities began easing the near-lockdown security measures, reopening roads, parks, and even walking paths. Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday "Today, traffic restrictions around the Serena Hotel and the Red Zone in Islamabad will end." "I extend my sincere thanks to the people of Pakistan, especially the residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, for their patience and cooperation," he continued. On Friday, the White House said its envoy Steve Witkoff and businessman - and Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner - would also go to Pakistan, but Trump himself said he had cancelled it: " "We have all the cards, they have none! If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!" the president wrote on social media. Last week, Trump said he was extending the ceasefire - set to expire last Wednesday - "until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal." The US and Iran agreed a two-week ceasefire on April 8, following five and a half weeks of fighting - and a global energy crisis surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides have accused each other of violating the truce. Talks were held in Islamabad on April 11-12 with no breakthrough. "
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