Amid the tentative ceasefire in the Middle East, attention is now directed towards Islamabad as it prepares to host discussions between the United States and Iran starting on April 11.
The Pakistani capital has transformed into a heavily guarded area, with security personnel monitoring important routes and government facilities. Visuals from Islamabad reveal heightened security measures in the Red Zone, where civilian access is restricted.
Roads within the Red Zone, which encompasses the Parliament, key government structures, upscale hotels, embassies, and foreign organizations’ offices, have been closed off to civilian traffic.
Armed police officers have established multiple checkpoints throughout the city, and traffic diversions have been put in place to facilitate the movements of the visiting delegations.
In anticipation of the crucial talks, Islamabad has declared a public holiday on Thursday and Friday to limit civilian activities. Many educational institutions and businesses have shut down, with minimal activity observed in certain areas.
The upcoming negotiations follow a temporary ceasefire between Tehran and Washington, brokered through Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts. This truce presents a fragile opportunity for both sides to engage in discussions aimed at de-escalation.
Despite the preparations, the Iranian delegation has not departed for Pakistan due to ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon. In contrast, the US Vice President JD Vance and his team have left Hungary for the imminent talks.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has reassured the US Ambassador of comprehensive security measures for the American delegation. The assurance comes as a 30-member US advance team has arrived in Islamabad to assess the security arrangements.
Concerns have been raised about Islamabad’s ability to secure the event, scheduled to take place at Hotel Serena, a prominent venue for high-level diplomatic engagements. Former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer has voiced apprehensions about the safety of US negotiators in Islamabad.
Reports indicate that Islamabad has bolstered its airspace security ahead of the talks, with the Pakistan Air Force deploying resources to ensure safe passage for incoming delegations.
Furthermore, Pakistan has announced visa-on-arrival for all individuals attending the talks, including journalists. Special facilitation desks have been set up at airports to assist arriving delegates.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar highlighted the streamlined entry procedures to support the discussions between the US and Iran. As Pakistan emerges as a crucial mediator in the Middle East conflict, global attention is fixed on Islamabad’s role in facilitating the significant negotiations between the two adversaries.