ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – A high-powered US delegation led by US Vice President JD Vance along with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Islamabad on Saturday to participate in Islamabad Talks.
The US delegation was received by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Minister for Interior Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi upon arrival.
Welcoming the US Vice President, the DPM commended US commitment to achieving lasting regional and global peace and stability.
Dar expressed the hope that parties would engage constructively, and reiterated Pakistan's desire to continue facilitating the parties towards reaching lasting and durable solution to the conflict.
Speaking prior to his departure, Vance stated that he is participating in the talks in line with the guidelines of President Donald Trump, expressing confidence that the negotiations with Iran will yield positive outcomes.
Iranian Delegation Arrives in Islamabad
Earlier in the day, an Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqher Ghalibaf has arrived in Islamabad in the wee hours of Saturday for peace talks with the United States.
The delegation includes senior political, military and economic officials, including the Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, defense council secretary, central bank governor and several members of parliament.
According to the Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson, the Iranian delegation was received by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi were also present on the occasion.
The spokesperson stated that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has expressed hope that both sides would move the negotiations forward in a constructive manner. Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to continue facilitating efforts for a sustainable and long-term resolution of the dispute.
According to Iranian officials, the delegation has come to Pakistan for negotiations with US officials. The delegation also includes representatives related to security, political, military, economic, and legal affairs, who will engage in discussions on various aspects.
Hosting US-Iran peace talks matter of pride for country
A day earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif termed the hosting of Iran-US peace talks in Islamabad as a matter of immense pride for the country. He expressed hope that the talks would help establish sustainable peace in the region.
He also lauded efforts of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in securing a ceasefire between Iran and the United States, bringing both sides to the negotiating table.
He said leadership of both countries is meeting in Islamabad on Saturday and Pakistan will make its sincere efforts for the success of these talks. He also appealed to the nation to pray for the success of the dialogue.
Islamabad Traffic Plan
Authorities have announced a comprehensive traffic diversion plan in Islamabad ahead of the arrival of foreign delegations for high-level talks between the United States and Iran.
According to Islamabad Traffic Police, the Red Zone and its extended areas will remain completely closed during the visit. Key routes including Kashmir Chowk (Club Road) to Zero Point via Srinagar Highway, as well as Zero Point to Serena Chowk, will be shut for traffic.
Additional closures include Shakarparian Road from Chand Tara Chowk to Seventh Avenue, and Jinnah Avenue from Khayaban Chowk towards Blue Area.
The restrictions come as a high-level Iranian delegation has already arrived in Islamabad for negotiations with US officials.
Traffic police further stated that Margalla Road from Faisal Chowk to Trail 3 will remain closed, while the Expressway from Zero Point to Korral Chowk will also be inaccessible.
Heavy traffic will be banned from entering the capital on April 11 and 12. Commuters traveling from Peshawar to Rawalpindi via GT Road have been advised to use alternate routes including Taxila Motorway, Chakri, Chak Beli Road, and Rawat Road.
Similarly, travelers heading from Lahore to Peshawar are advised to take Rawat, Chak Beli Road, Chakri, and Taxila Motorway. Traffic moving between Faisal Avenue and Zero Point will be diverted towards 9th Avenue.
For those traveling between Bhara Kahu and Rawalpindi, alternative routes such as Korang Road, Bani Gala, Lehtrar Road, and GT Road have been recommended. Meanwhile, vehicles traveling from Peshawar to Lahore should use the Taxila Motorway or take the Tarnol Phatak route towards Fateh Jang Motorway.