Capital tightens security as Pakistan hosts ‘Islamabad Talks’

Strict traffic restrictions were imposed across the federal capital on Saturday as US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Islamabad to attend US-Iran peace talks, with key highways closed and diversions in place while authorities sealed several routes and restricted access to sensitive areas.

Islamabad Police, in a traffic advisory posted X, said diversions had been implemented on the Islamabad Expressway and Srinagar Highway, while public transport on the Expressway had been suspended.

The advisory added that commuters had been instructed not to park at bus stops or loops and that the red zone and extended red zone had been closed to all types of traffic.

According to the statement, the affected key routes include Kashmir Chowk via Club Road towards Zero Point on Srinagar Highway, Srinagar Highway from Zero Point towards Serena Chowk, Shakar Parian Road from Chand Tara Chowk towards Seventh Avenue, Jinnah Avenue from Khayaban Chowk towards Blue Area and Margalla Road from Faisal Chowk to Trail 3.

In a separate post on X, Capital Development Authority said Chief Commissioner Sohail Ashraf, accompanied by Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, visited several points along the VIP route to review security arrangements across the city.

On Thursday, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi assured US Charge d’Affaires to Pakistan Natalie Baker of foolproof security ahead of the arrival of high-level foreign delegations in Islamabad.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior on X, Natalie met with Naqvi, where both discussed the upcoming talks and the situation in the Middle East. “We have made extensive arrangements to ensure foolproof security for all international guests attending these crucial negotiations,” he said.

Dangerous truce

A fragile, conditional ceasefire is in place between the US and Iran, agreed after weeks of intense conflict. The agreement centers on a two-week pause in fighting, mainly aimed at halting major military offensives and reopening strategic routes such as the Strait of Hormuz – although core disagreements remain unresolved.

Both Washington and Tehran have declared the truce a victory of sorts, even as they cling to competing demands for a long-term solution.

At the center of the cease-fire is a 10-point proposal by Iran that the US has described as a “useful basis” for negotiation. The plan reportedly covers topics such as non-aggression, control and operation of the Strait of Hormuz, lifting of sanctions and cessation of hostilities on multiple fronts – including calls for an end to wars in related theaters.

This framework is now set to lead the peace talks, with Pakistan expected to host talks aimed at turning the temporary ceasefire into a more durable peace.