ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Iran and the US are set to commence crucial negotiations in Islamabad today (Friday) following a ceasefire between the two sides.
The talks at the delegation level will begin today, with the main phase expected on Saturday. The U. delegation will include Vice President J.D. Vance, chief negotiator Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.
Iran will be represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Speaker of Parliament Baqer Qalibaf.
'Honour for Pakistan'
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that hosting the US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad following the ceasefire is an "honour for Pakistan".
In anticipation of the arrival of foreign delegations, Naqvi chaired a special meeting to review security arrangements and other preparations for the talks. The meeting provided a detailed assessment of the plans to ensure the safety and smooth hosting of the delegations in the federal capital.
The interior minister directed authorities to take all possible measures for the security and hospitality of visiting delegations. He emphasized that the Red Zone in Islamabad will be fully sealed, with access restricted only to authorized personnel. Additionally, a control room has been established in the Ministry of Interior to oversee operations related to the event.
The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Federal Secretary of Interior, Chief Commissioner, Islamabad Police IG, Rawalpindi Commissioner, DG FIA, Islamabad DC, Rangers, Federal Constabulary, and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Security on High Alert in Islamabad
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally inspected the venue, reviewing security arrangements ahead of the talks.
Participants in the negotiations are being accommodated in a five-star hotel located in the Red Zone. The district administration has expanded the Red Zone boundaries from Zero Point to Faisal Mosque.
The Red Zone includes key government buildings such as Parliament House, Aiwan-e-Sadr, Prime Minister House, and the Diplomatic Enclave, where foreign embassies are situated.
According to an Interior Ministry official, security control of the Red Zone will remain with the military, while Rangers and police personnel will also be deployed.
Islamabad Traffic Plan
A special traffic plan has also been devised for Islamabad, under which heavy traffic has been restricted from entering the city.
Islamabad Highway and Srinagar Highway will be temporarily closed when foreign delegations travel from the airport to their hotel.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has postponed its protest rally in Rawalpindi for the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, stating that a new date will be announced soon.
Section 144 has been imposed in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, banning gatherings of five or more people.