Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi addresses a press conference in Islamabad on Saturday. —SCREEN CAPTURE
ISLAMABAD:
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday assured US Chargé d’Affaires in Pakistan Natalie Baker of foolproof security ahead of the arrival of high-level foreign delegations in Islamabad on Friday for US-Iran ceasefire talks.
The meeting came a day after Pakistan negotiated a two-week ceasefire between the United States 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 conclusive agreement.
The White House later announced that US President Donald Trump would send Vice President JD Vance and other negotiators to Islamabad for talks with Iran starting Saturday. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi would represent Tehran.
According to a statement issued today by the Ministry of Home Affairs on X-Day, Natalie met with Naqvi, where the two discussed 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 Natalie expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s efforts in mediating the peace talks.
In light of the security measures, the administration of the twin cities had already announced a two-day holiday on April 9 and 10, and all educational institutions and government offices would remain closed.
Islamabad police issued a traffic diversion plan for April 9 and 10 due to the movement of foreign delegations.
He also added that detours would be implemented on the Express Highway and citizens were advised to plan their trip with additional time to avoid inconveniences.
