Naqvi ensures foolproof security for US-Iran ceasefire talks in Islamabad

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday assured US Ambassador to Pakistan Natalie Baker of foolproof security ahead of the arrival of high-ranking foreign delegations in Islamabad on Friday for the US-Iran ceasefire talks.

The meeting came a day after Pakistan brokered a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Iran and the United States, along with their allies, had agreed to an immediate ceasefire ‘everywhere, including Lebanon’, with immediate effect. He invited delegations from both nations to Islamabad on April 10 to negotiate a final settlement.”

Later, the White House announced that US President Donald Trump is sending Vice President JD Vance and other negotiators to Islamabad for talks with Iran starting on Saturday. Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi would represent Tehran.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior on X today, 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.

Naqvi said US Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner would attend as special guests.

The statement further added that the US ambassador expressed his appreciation for Pakistan’s efforts in brokering the peace talks.

In view of security measures, the administration of the twin cities had already announced a two-day public holiday on April 9 and 10, during which all educational institutions and government offices would remain closed. However, all emergency departments, institutions and authorities will remain operational. Citizens had been advised to plan their activities accordingly.

Islamabad Police issued a traffic diversion plan for April 9 and 10 due to the movements of foreign delegations, advising citizens to follow the plan and cooperate with officers on duty to avoid inconvenience.

It further added that diversions would be implemented on the Express Highway and citizens were advised to plan their journey with extra time to avoid inconvenience.

“Islamabad Traffic Police will be deployed on the roads to ensure public convenience and provide necessary attention. Citizens are requested to exercise patience and cooperation with the officers on duty during this period,” the statement said.

Pakistan has emerged as an important mediator in the region. Last month, the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, prompting Tehran to retaliate with attacks on Israel and US military bases in the Gulf. This escalation of tensions in the Middle East led to efforts by political and military leadership in Pakistan to de-escalate the situation.

To ease tensions, Pakistan had also hosted a quadrilateral foreign ministers’ meeting in Islamabad with representatives from Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The meeting caught the attention of the world and was widely appreciated for Pakistan’s efforts.

Pakistan and China also jointly proposed a five-point initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the wider Middle East.