Naqvi, US envoy review security of planned US-Iran talks in Islamabad

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met US Charge d’Affairs to Pakistan Natalie Baker at the US Embassy on Monday to discuss security arrangements ahead of expected US-Iran talks in Islamabad, according to the Interior Ministry.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed the overall security situation and detailed arrangements, with Baker expressing appreciation for Pakistan’s efforts and its role in ensuring a secure environment amid regional sensitivities.

The statement said that senior officials including FIA Director General Dr Usman Anwar, Chief Commissioner Sohail Ashraf, Inspector General of Police Ali Nasir Rizvi and Deputy Commissioner Irfan Memon were also present.

Naqvi said “special security arrangements have been made for all distinguished guests” participating in the talks, adding that Pakistan is fully prepared to ensure foolproof security, the ministry added. He expressed hope that the next round of talks in Islamabad would be held successfully.

Pakistan took center stage when it brokered a 14-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran, followed by high-stakes talks in Islamabad attended by senior delegations from both countries. Although the talks have not yielded the expected results, the ceasefire remains intact and confidence-building measures are being taken to ensure a permanent truce.

A second round of negotiations is expected to take place in Islamabad, with US President Donald Trump announcing on Sunday that his representatives would arrive in Islamabad on Monday evening.

Twin Cities on alert

Authorities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have implemented drastic security and administrative measures ahead of the next round of US-Iran talks scheduled in the federal capital, putting the twin cities on high alert.

The red zone was sealed off, all public and private offices and schools were asked to move online, while government operations were shifted to remote working.

Heavy and public transport across Islamabad and Rawalpindi has been suspended until further notice, while the metro bus service between Saddar and Pak Secretariat has also been disrupted.

Major roads, including key arterial roads in the Red Zone and surrounding areas, have been closed or restricted, and extensive diversion plans have been implemented to manage traffic. Universities moved classes online and postponed exams, while hostels, hotels and guesthouses in hotspot areas were closed.

Security has been significantly beefed up with the deployment of over 10,000 police personnel in Rawalpindi and around 18,000 security personnel are expected in total, including police, Rangers and Frontier Corps. More than 600 checkpoints have been established, with strict surveillance at entry and exit points.

Sensitive areas around Nur Khan Air Base and Islamabad International Airport have also been closed, alongside a ban on drones, aerial firing and pigeon flying, with authorities describing the measures as part of ironclad security measures for visiting foreign delegations.