Naqvi ensures foolproof security for US-Iran ceasefire talks in Islamabad

Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday assured US Ambassador to 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 the US ambassador expressed appreciation 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. However, all emergency response departments, institutions and authorities would remain operational. Citizens were advised to plan their activities accordingly.

Islamabad Police issued a traffic diversion plan for April 9 and 10 due to the movement of foreign delegations, advising citizens to follow the plan and cooperate with officers on duty to avoid inconvenience.

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.

“Islamabad Traffic Police will be stationed on the roads to ensure the comfort of the public and provide necessary awareness. Citizens are urged to show patience and cooperate with the officers on duty during this period,” the statement said.

Pakistan has become a key mediator in the region. Last month, the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran, prompting Tehran to retaliate with attacks on Israel and US military bases in the Gulf. This escalation of tensions in the Middle East led to efforts by Pakistan’s political and military leaders to reduce tension.

To ease tensions, Pakistan had also organized a quadrilateral meeting of foreign ministers in Islamabad, with representatives from Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The meeting caught the attention of the world and was widely appreciated for Pakistan’s efforts.

Pakistan and China also jointly proposed a five-point initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the broader Middle East.