Islamabad ramps up security ahead of US-Iran peace negotiations

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday met Natalie Baker to review the evolving Middle East situation and discuss preparations for the high-level United States-Iran peace talks scheduled to begin in Islamabad from Friday.

Pakistan is hosting delegations from both countries following a temporary ceasefire facilitated by Islamabad, which came just before a US deadline for military escalation expired. The conflict had erupted after strikes by Israel and the United States on Iran on February 28, triggering retaliatory attacks by Tehran across the region.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the upcoming negotiations and reviewed arrangements for the visiting delegations. The US ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic role, particularly in light of recent regional tensions, describing its efforts as sincere and constructive.

Mr Naqvi said a comprehensive plan had been finalised to ensure foolproof security for all foreign guests. He noted that US Vice President JD Vance, along with envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, would be received as special guests during the talks in the federal capital.

Discussions also focused on logistical and security arrangements, as Islamabad prepares to host one of the most sensitive diplomatic engagements in recent years. Authorities have enforced extraordinary measures across the city, including traffic restrictions and heightened security deployment.

According to the Islamabad Traffic Police, a special traffic plan has been implemented, with heavy traffic barred from entering the capital for two days. Key arteries, including the Expressway from Zero Point to Koral Chowk, will remain closed, while multiple diversions have been put in place along the Islamabad Express Highway due to the movement of foreign delegations.

Commuters travelling between major cities have been advised to use alternative routes. Those coming from Peshawar to Rawalpindi via GT Road have been directed towards the Taxila Motorway, Chakri, Chak Beli Road and Rawat. Similarly, travellers from Lahore to Peshawar have been asked to take Rawat, Chak Beli Road and the Taxila Motorway.

Traffic from Margalla Road to Rawalpindi will be diverted to Ninth Avenue, while vehicles moving from Faisal Avenue to Zero Point will also be redirected to the same route. Commuters travelling from Bhara Kahu to Rawalpindi have been instructed to use Korang Road, Bani Gala and Lehtrar Road, while those heading from Rawalpindi to Islamabad should take Murree Road via Ninth Avenue.

Heavy traffic travelling from Peshawar to Lahore has been advised to use the Taxila Motorway and Tarnol Phatak towards the Fateh Jang Motorway. Authorities said these measures were necessary to ensure smooth movement and security of foreign delegations.

In a related development, examinations at government schools located near the Red Zone have been postponed. According to official notifications, exams scheduled at two centres in Islamabad Model College for Boys (IMCB) G-6/4 and at the Prime Minister’s Staff Colony in G-5 have been deferred until further notice.

A police spokesperson said traffic personnel had been deployed across the city to assist commuters and urged citizens to plan their travel in advance, allow extra time, and cooperate with officials during the high-security period.