Capital beefs up security as Pakistan hosts ‘Islamabad talks’

Strict traffic restrictions were imposed in the federal capital on Saturday as US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Islamabad to attend US-Iran peace talks, with key highways closed and diversions put in place while authorities closed several roads and restricted access to sensitive areas.

Islamabad Police, in a traffic advisory issued on

The notice added that transporters had been instructed not to park at bus stops or loops, and that the red zone and extended red zone had been closed to all types of traffic.

According to the statement, the major roads affected include Kashmir Chowk via Club Road towards Zero Point on Srinagar Expressway, Srinagar Expressway from Zero Point to Serena Chowk, Shakar Parian Road from Chand Tara Chowk towards Seventh Avenue, Jinnah Avenue from Khayaban Chowk towards Blue Zone and Margalla Road from Faisal Chowk to Trail 3.

In a separate report on

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.

According to a statement released by the Ministry of Interior on X, 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.

Perilous ceasefire

A fragile, conditional ceasefire is in place between the United States and Iran, agreed after weeks of intense conflict. The deal centers around a two-week pause in fighting, largely aimed at halting major military strikes and reopening strategic routes like the Strait of Hormuz – although fundamental disagreements remain unresolved.

Washington and Tehran have declared the ceasefire a victory of sorts, even as they stick to competing demands for a long-term settlement.

At the center of the truce is a 10-point Iranian proposal, which the United States has described as a “viable basis” for negotiations. The plan would cover issues such as non-aggression, control and exploitation of the Strait of Hormuz, lifting sanctions and cessation of hostilities on multiple fronts – including calls for an end to wars in relevant theaters.

This framework is now intended to guide peace talks, with Pakistan expected to host negotiations aimed at transforming the temporary ceasefire into a more lasting peace.