Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday met United States Ambassador Natalie Baker to discuss the prevailing situation in the Middle East and exchange views on the U.S.-Iran peace talks scheduled to begin in Islamabad from tomorrow (Saturday).
Pakistan will host delegations from the U.S. and Iran in a bid to make permanent a two-week ceasefire brokered earlier this week. Islamabad has taken on a key mediation role in light of its positive ties with both Tehran and Washington.
In his meeting with Baker, Naqvi updated the U.S. side on Pakistan’s preparations for the negotiations. According to a statement issued by the Interior Ministry, the American ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s sincere and strong diplomatic role, particularly in the backdrop of recent regional developments.
During the meeting, the minister informed the envoy of a comprehensive plan to ensure foolproof security for all foreign guests “in every respect.” He said U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would be Pakistan’s special guests during the high-level engagement in the federal capital.
Traffic arrangements
According to Islamabad Police, a special traffic plan has been enacted for the talks, banning all heavy traffic from entering the federal capital and closing the Expressway from Zero Point to Korral Chowk from both sides. Diversions have also been placed on the Islamabad Express Highway because of the anticipated movement of foreign delegations.
Police have advised commuters traveling from Peshawar to Rawalpindi via GT Road to avail the Taxila Motorway, Chakri, Chak Beli Road and Rawat routes. Similarly, those traveling from Lahore to Peshawar have been directed to use Rawat, Chak Beli Road and the Taxila Motorway. Similarly, anyone traveling from Margalla Road to Rawalpindi has been directed to use Ninth Avenue, while traffic heading from Faisal Avenue to Zero Point will be diverted toward Ninth Avenue.
High security
Earlier, authorities announced a public holiday in Islamabad for April 9-10, essentially shutting the city down for four days from April 9-12. Due to the security considerations, authorities have also postponed examinations at government schools located around the Red Zone.
Reportedly, over 10,000 police and security personnel, comprising the Army, paramilitary forces and Islamabad and Punjab police, have been deployed to ensure the safety of the visiting delegates. This includes around 6,000 Islamabad police personnel, 900 Frontier Constabulary, and 3,000 Punjab Constabulary personnel.
Authorities say the Army and Rangers will secure the Red Zone. They have also said protection details for visiting dignitaries would be barred from using any tech, including mobile phones and digital watches.