Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi addresses a press conference in Islamabad on Saturday. – SCREENSHOT
ISLAMABAD:
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday assured US charge d’affaires in 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 Natalie expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s efforts in mediating 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.
Islamabad Police has issued a traffic diversion plan for April 9 and 10 due to the movement of foreign delegations.
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.
