Naqvi assures foolproof security for Islamabad talks

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday assured US Charge d'Affaires to Pakistan Natalie Baker that comprehensive security arrangements had been put in place ahead of the arrival of senior foreign delegations in Islamabad for talks linked to the US-Iran ceasefire.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior on X, Baker met Naqvi and the two discussed the upcoming negotiations as well as the situation in the Middle East. During the meeting, Naqvi said the government had completed extensive preparations for the visiting delegations. "We have made extensive arrangements to ensure foolproof security for all international guests attending these crucial negotiations," he said.

The meeting took place a day after Pakistan brokered a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif subsequently announced that Iran and the US, along with their allies, had agreed to an immediate ceasefire 'everywhere, including Lebanon,' effective immediately.

The prime minister also invited delegations from both countries to Islamabad on April 10 for negotiations aimed at reaching a final settlement.

Later, the White House announced that US President Donald Trump was sending Vice President JD Vance and other negotiators to Islamabad for talks with Iran beginning on Saturday. Tehran would be represented by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

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

The Ministry of Interior statement added that Baker appreciated Pakistan's role in facilitating the peace effort.

In connection with the security plan, the administrations of Islamabad and Rawalpindi had already declared a two-day public holiday on April 9 and 10. Under the announcement, educational institutions and government offices in the twin cities were to remain closed.

Islamabad Police also issued a traffic diversion plan for April 9 and 10 because of the movement of foreign delegations. According to the advisory, diversions would be enforced on the Express Highway, and residents were asked to allow extra travel time to avoid inconvenience.

Security and administrative measures in place

The official measures announced ahead of the talks include both movement restrictions and institutional closures in the federal capital and Rawalpindi. These steps were presented as part of the broader arrangements for the high-level diplomatic engagement expected in Islamabad.

The talks are set to bring together senior representatives from Washington and Tehran following the ceasefire announcement, with Pakistan positioned as the venue for efforts toward what Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described as a conclusive settlement.