ISLAMABAD: Islamabad has stepped up security measures as Pakistan prepares to host high-level US-Iran peace talks aimed at ending recent Middle East hostilities.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with US Ambassador Natalie Baker on Thursday to discuss the arrangements for the talks, which are set to begin Friday. The negotiations follow a temporary ceasefire between Tehran and Washington, brokered by Islamabad, just hours before a critical US deadline against Iran.
The conflict escalated after Israel and the US carried out strikes on Iran, assassinating Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, prompting retaliatory attacks from Tehran. Pakistan, maintaining close ties with US President Donald Trump and being sensitive to regional developments, has played a key role as a diplomatic channel between the two sides.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Trump is sending his Iran negotiating team, led by Vice President JD Vance, to Islamabad for discussions this week.
During the meeting, Naqvi assured the US delegation that a “comprehensive plan” has been implemented to provide foolproof security for all foreign guests, including VP Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, who are special guests in the federal capital. Discussions also focused on overall security and logistics for the visiting delegations.
Authorities have enforced extraordinary security and traffic measures across Islamabad. Key roads will face diversions and closures, and heavy traffic is restricted from entering the city. The “Islamabad Traffic Police” has issued alternative routes for commuters traveling to and from Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and other key areas.
Additionally, examinations at government schools near the Red Zone have been postponed. Affected centers include “IMCB G-6/4” and “Prime Minister’s Staff Colony, G-5”. A police spokesperson urged citizens to allow extra travel time, cooperate with traffic officials, and remain patient during the movement of foreign delegations.
