Islamabad is under a virtual seal as it prepares for US-Iran peace talks, which will begin tomorrow (Friday) after a two-week ceasefire was announced between the two countries.
US and Iranian delegations will start arriving tonight, while US Vice President J.D.Vance, along with US Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, along with their security teams are also expected to land in Islamabad tonight, according to sources.
According to sources, delegation level talks will be held tomorrow between US and Iran which Pakistan will mediate.
High level talks between US and Iran will be held on Saturday.
Despite confirmation from the White House regarding the Islamabad talks, US President Donald Trump has hinted that Vance’s participation may depend on security conditions.
Speaking to the New York Post, Trump said, “We’ll have Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, J.D. — maybe J.D., I don’t know. Security is a question.”
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has confirmed that American and Iranian delegations are expected to arrive in Pakistan on Friday.
Meanwhile, preparations in Islamabad to host the delegations have reportedly been completed.
US advanced security team arrives
A US military aircraft has arrived at Nur Khan Airbase, carrying an advance American security team ahead of the visiting delegation.
The team will review security arrangements prior to the arrival of US officials. It will also coordinate with Pakistani authorities to inspect the main venue and other key locations.
Islamabad sealed ahead of talks
Islamabad main roads leading to the Red Zone,including Blue Area are completely sealed as part of the security measures in place for the talks. The red zone has been completely sealed off, and many access roads into Islamabad are being manned by police and military. The negotiations will be held at the Serena Hotel, where guests have been told to vacate, according to sources.
VVIP protocol under the Blue Book will be extended to the delegations during their movement, stay and meetings, as per sources.
Two day public holiday has been declared in Islamabad and its twin city of Rawalpindi.
Naqvi assures of foul proof security
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday assured US ambassador Natalie Baker that comprehensive security arrangements have been finalised for foreign dignitaries arriving for the US-Iran talks in Islamabad.
During a meeting with the US envoy, the minister said all necessary measures were in place to ensure safety at every level. He added that J.D. Vance, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would be treated as “special guests.”
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior, a detailed and comprehensive security plan has been prepared to provide foolproof protection to all visiting delegations.
