Naqvi provides ironclad security for US-Iran ceasefire talks in Islamabad

Interior 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 the US-Iran ceasefire talks.

The meeting took place a day after Pakistan brokered 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,” effective immediately. He invited delegations from both countries to Islamabad on April 10 to negotiate a successful settlement.

Later, the White House announced that US President Donald Trump would send Vice President JD Vance and other negotiators to Islamabad for talks with Iran that would begin on Saturday. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi would represent Tehran.

According to a statement released by the Home Office today, Natalie met with Naqvi, where both discussed the upcoming talks and the situation in the Middle East.

“We have made extensive arrangements to ensure foolproof security for all international guests participating in these crucial negotiations,” he said.

Naqvi said US Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would be present as special guests.

The statement further added that the US ambassador expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s mediation efforts in the peace talks.

Keeping in view the security measures, the twin cities administration had already announced a two-day public holiday on April 9 and 10 and all educational institutions and government offices would remain closed. However, all emergency response services, institutions and authorities would remain operational. Citizens were advised to plan their activities accordingly.

Islamabad Police has 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 any inconvenience.

He further added that diversions would be implemented on the express highway and citizens were advised to plan their journey with more time to avoid inconvenience.

“Islamabad Traffic Police will be stationed on the roads to ensure public convenience and provide necessary awareness. Citizens are advised to exercise patience and cooperate with 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 by attacking Israel and U.S. military bases in the Gulf. This escalation of tensions in the Middle East has led Pakistan’s political and military leadership to make efforts to de-escalate the situation.

To ease tensions, Pakistan also hosted a quadrilateral meeting of foreign ministers in Islamabad, with representatives from Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The meeting attracted worldwide attention 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 entire Middle East.