Pakistani officials have implemented comprehensive security protocols throughout Islamabad as the nation prepares to host critical diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran beginning April 10.
The capital city’s administration has announced a two-day closure of government offices on Thursday and Friday to accommodate the high-profile negotiations, which come after Pakistan successfully mediated a two-week ceasefire between the two nations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended invitations to both countries for direct diplomatic engagement in hopes of establishing a lasting peace agreement.
Representatives from Washington and Tehran have both verified their participation in the Pakistan-hosted negotiations.
President Donald Trump has designated Vice President JD Vance, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner to represent American interests during the discussions.
Iran’s deputy foreign minister announced that their delegation will be led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf for the Islamabad meetings.
Extensive protective measures have been established throughout the city’s governmental Red Zone, major administrative buildings, diplomatic quarters, and all transportation access points.
Security forces including police and Rangers have increased their presence across the capital, with the Army’s rapid response units standing by for deployment.
An Interior Ministry official informed The Media Line that military forces will assume control of the Red Zone’s security, supported by Rangers and police personnel stationed throughout the area.
Negotiation participants will stay at a luxury hotel situated within the secured Red Zone perimeter.
Security sources report that a US Air Force C-130 transport plane delivered an advance security and tactical team to Nur Khan Air Base on Thursday afternoon.
Officials told The Media Line that US Secret Service and CIA personnel have also arrived in Islamabad to evaluate security protocols and prepare the venue for the American delegation.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with US Ambassador Natalie Baker on Thursday for extensive discussions regarding Middle East developments and logistical preparations for the Islamabad negotiations. Naqvi stated that a thorough security strategy has been established to ensure complete protection for all international visitors.
Prior to the US-Iran discussions, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conducted a significant meeting Thursday afternoon with Chief of Defense Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. A statement from the prime minister’s office indicated their conversation centered on ceasefire developments and related issues as Pakistan prepares to facilitate negotiations between the United States and Iran.
As this latest round of diplomatic engagement approaches, underlying mistrust between the two nations remains evident. Throughout the previous year, they have attempted negotiations on two separate occasions, with both efforts disrupted by renewed conflict before achieving meaningful progress.
