Capital beefs up security as Pakistan hosts ‘Islamabad Talks’

Strict traffic restrictions were imposed across the federal capital on Saturday as US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Islamabad to take part in US-Iran peace talks, with key roads closed and detours as authorities sealed multiple routes and restricted access to sensitive areas.

Islamabad Police, in a traffic advisory posted on

The notice added that transporters had been ordered not to park at bus stops or circuits, and that the Red Zone and the Expanded Red Zone had been closed to all types of traffic.

According to the statement, the key routes affected include Kashmir Chowk via Club Road towards Zero Point on Srinagar Highway, Srinagar Highway from Zero Point towards Serena Chowk, Shakar Parian Road from Chand Tara Chowk towards Seventh Avenue, Jinnah Avenue from Khayaban Chowk towards Blue Area and Margalla Road from Faisal Chowk to Trail 3.

In a separate post on

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.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior 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.

Dangerous ceasefire

There is a fragile conditional ceasefire between the United States and Iran, agreed after weeks of intense conflict. The agreement revolves around a two-week pause in fighting, largely aimed at stopping major military attacks and reopening strategic routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, although fundamental disagreements remain unresolved.

Both Washington and Tehran have declared the ceasefire a victory of sorts, even as they cling to competing demands for a long-term deal.

At the center of the truce is a 10-point proposal from Iran, which the United States has described as a “viable basis” for negotiation. The plan reportedly covers issues such as non-aggression, control and operation of the Strait of Hormuz, lifting sanctions and cessation of hostilities on multiple fronts, including calls to end wars in related theaters.

This framework will now guide peace talks, with Pakistan expected to host negotiations aimed at turning the temporary ceasefire into a more lasting peace.