Islamabad, April 9 – Pakistan has increased security measures in the national capital in preparation for high-stakes talks between the US and Iran this weekend, amid growing anxiety and a warning from top Iranian leaders that Israeli strikes on Lebanon would render negotiations meaningless.
The US and Iran agreed on a two-week conditional ceasefire on Wednesday, followed by a face-to-face meeting in Islamabad to resolve differences and convert the ongoing truce into a lasting peace.
Hours before the proposed talks, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the Israeli attack on Lebanon blatantly violated the initial ceasefire and would render negotiations meaningless.
"Such actions signal deception and non-compliance, rendering negotiations meaningless. We remain prepared to take action. Iran will never abandon its Lebanese brothers and sisters," he said, a day after massive Israeli strikes in Lebanon killed more than 200 people and injured over 1,000.
Meanwhile, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and they reviewed Pakistan’s efforts to achieve sustainable peace in the region, according to a statement issued by the PMO.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the de-escalation achieved so far and emphasized the need for all parties to maintain peace and a ceasefire. They vowed to provide all support to the US and Iran to reach a peaceful settlement of their conflict.
They "appreciated the restraint demonstrated by all sides and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to facilitate and provide all-out support to both sides to arrive at a peacefully negotiated settlement."
Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated his invitation to the arriving delegations and assured them of the highest consideration and support from Pakistan.
The delegations from the rival sides are expected to arrive in Islamabad by Thursday night to participate in the talks.
Despite skepticism among the Iranian public due to repeated ceasefire violations by the Israeli regime to sabotage the diplomatic initiative, initiated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Iranian delegation arrived in Islamabad tonight for serious talks based on the 10-point plan proposed by Iran," Reza Amiri Moghadam, Iran's Ambassador to Pakistan, said in a post on X.
A day earlier, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that President Trump was dispatching his negotiating team, led by Vice President JD Vance, to Pakistan for peace talks. However, no specific time for the delegation's arrival has been announced. Reportedly, Vance will be joined by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
On Thursday, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi assured US Chargé d'affaires Natalie Baker of foolproof security for all foreign dignitaries when she met him to discuss the preparations for the upcoming talks.
Naqvi assured Baker of the security arrangements taken ahead of the talks and stated that the US delegation members were "our special guests," according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior.
"A comprehensive plan has been prepared to provide foolproof security to all foreign guests in every respect," he was quoted as saying by Dawn.
Citing sources, Dawn reported that a 30-member advance US team had already arrived in Islamabad to review security arrangements.
Sources familiar with the development said that the talks are expected to focus on a broad framework for a long-term peace arrangement, including sanctions relief, regional security, and the future of Iran’s nuclear and missile program.
Tehran has indicated that discussions will be based on its proposed 10-point plan, which includes demands such as lifting of sanctions, guarantees against future attacks, and arrangements concerning the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite a desire for peace, deep mistrust persists between the two sides, aggravated by the concerns of violation of the ceasefire in Lebanon. Iran is cautious because it was already in talks when the US and Israel launched the attack on April 28.
Pakistan, which emerged as an unlikely facilitator in the uneven conflict, is making all-out efforts to convert the ceasefire into permanent peace.
The upcoming negotiations are being closely watched globally, as their success or failure could have far-reaching implications for Middle East security, global energy markets, and international diplomacy.
Authorities have already announced a two-day local holiday on Thursday and Friday in the capital to ensure the smooth arrival of the delegates and their stay in Islamabad, which is among the quietest and cleanest capitals of the world.
In an advisory posted on X, the Islamabad Police said that special arrangements have been taken to augment the security of the city ahead of the arrival of delegates.
It said diversions will be placed on the Express Highway due to the “movement of foreign delegations”, advising commuters to plan their travel accordingly.
"The Red Zone and surrounding areas are closed to all types of traffic except official vehicles. Citizens are requested to avoid unnecessary travel to the Red Zone and surrounding areas to prevent any travel difficulties,” it said, adding that Islamabad Traffic Police are present on the roads for the convenience and awareness of the public.
The Red Zone houses several key buildings, hotels, foreign missions and official residences of key figures.
All state-run rescue departments and hospitals have been put on high alert. They have been asked to remain on standby and ensure the availability of staff and essential supplies, the sources added.
Prime Minister Shehbaz held a telephone conversation with Lebanese counterpart Nawaf Salam to discuss the escalating violence in the region.
Shehbaz strongly condemned Israel's attacks on Lebanon. He highlighted Pakistan's active engagement in regional peace initiatives, noting that it was in this spirit that the Iran-US peace talks were being convened.
Nawaf thanked Pakistan for its efforts and sought Islamabad’s support to secure an immediate end to the attacks targeting Lebanese civilians.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has also been actively contacting his counterparts to enlist support for peace. Late Wednesday night, he spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on the latest regional developments regarding the Middle East, according to the Foreign Office.
He also talked with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Jarrah Jaber Al-Sabah.