ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has intensified preparations for high-stakes negotiations between the United States and Iran, set to take place in Islamabad, with efforts focused on turning a fragile two-week ceasefire into a lasting peace agreement.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi directed authorities to ensure foolproof security and exceptional arrangements for visiting foreign delegations. Officials decided that the Red Zone in the federal capital will be completely sealed during the talks, with access limited strictly to authorised personnel.
A dedicated control room has been established at the Interior Ministry to oversee security and administrative arrangements in real time.
The talks follow Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s invitation to both Washington and Tehran after Pakistan played a key role in facilitating the ceasefire that came into effect on April 8.
The upcoming negotiations come in the aftermath of a devastating conflict that erupted on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes targeting Iran’s leadership and military infrastructure. The escalation resulted in over 2,000 deaths within five weeks and pushed the region to the brink of a wider war.
In retaliation, Iran blocked the strategic Strait of Hormuz and carried out strikes on Israeli targets and US bases across the Gulf, severely disrupting regional stability and global energy flows.
The ceasefire agreement, though holding for now, remains fragile. Washington has reportedly put forward a 15-point proposal focusing on curbing Iran’s enriched uranium programme, limiting ballistic missile capabilities, easing sanctions, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran, however, has countered with a 10-point plan demanding control over the strait, the imposition of transit tolls, a complete halt to regional military operations, and the lifting of all sanctions.
Pakistan’s mediation efforts have drawn widespread international praise, with global powers backing Islamabad’s role in de-escalating tensions and facilitating dialogue.
Delegations from both sides are expected to arrive in Islamabad for Saturday’s talks. The US team will be led by Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior advisor Jared Kushner.
On the Iranian side, Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are expected to lead the delegation. It remains unclear whether representatives of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) will participate.
Ahead of the “Islamabad Talks,” authorities have enforced heightened security measures, including the announcement of local holidays in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on April 9 and 10. Educational institutions, as well as public and private offices in the twin cities, have remained closed to ensure smooth and secure conduct of the negotiations.
With the world’s attention now on Islamabad, Pakistan is positioning itself at the center of a critical diplomatic effort that could shape the future of peace and stability in the Middle East.
