Islamabad, April 10 Uncertainty surrounded the US-Iran dialogue, as there was no official word about the arrival of delegates on Friday, the day set for the start of talks between the two warring sides, even as Pakistan waived visa requirements for journalists and officials attending the talks.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while announcing a two-week ceasefire on Wednesday, had stated that the two countries would hold talks in Islamabad on April 10. He had tagged the presidents of the United States and Iran, as well as other officials, in his statement on X.
Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amir Moghadam, in a statement, confirmed that a 10-member Iranian delegation would arrive in Islamabad.
"Despite skepticism from the Iranian public due to repeated ceasefire violations by the Israeli regime to sabotage the diplomatic initiative, invited by Hon. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Iranian delegation arrives tonight in Islamabad for serious talks based on the 10 points proposed by Iran," he said on X on Thursday.
Hours later, he deleted the statement amid the deteriorating situation in Lebanon, which was subjected to aerial attacks by Israel, calling it a violation of the ceasefire agreement.
Iran’s president also, in a tweet, expressed doubts about the process of talks if Israel continued its policy of attacks on Lebanon.
Officials have not provided any timeline for the arrival of delegates due to security reasons, adding to the mystery as the day of the dialogue has arrived, but not the parties involved in the conflict.
Despite uncertainty, Pakistan was geared up to host the two sides.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, on Friday, announced "Visa on Arrival" for delegates and journalists traveling to Pakistan for talks.
"Pakistan welcomes all delegates, including journalists from participating nations, traveling in relation to the Islamabad Talks 2026. To this end, all airlines are requested to permit boarding to all such individuals without a visa. Immigration authorities in Pakistan will issue them visas on arrival," Dar posted on social media Friday morning.
A thick security blanket covered the capital, Islamabad, which was on "red alert" ahead of the talks.
Officials said that more than 10,000 police and security personnel have been deployed to ensure multi-layered security for the visiting delegates. Police and paramilitary Rangers personnel were deployed and are being assisted by the army.
The Red Zone, which houses key buildings, is being protected by the army and the Rangers, which was open at one point through the Margalla Road, and only authorized officials and residents would be allowed to go through it.
The upcoming negotiations are being closely watched globally, as their success or failure could have far-reaching implications for West Asia's security, global energy markets, and international diplomacy.
