Traffic curbs, schools, markets shut: Islamabad turns fortress for US-Iran talks

Amid the fragile ceasefire in the Middle East, all eyes will be on Islamabad, which will host talks between the US & Iran from April 11.

The Pakistani capital has already turned into a fortress, with security forces patrolling key roads and government installations. Visuals from Islamabad show the city's Red Zone under tight security, with only limited civilian movements allowed in the area.

Roads across the Red Zone, which houses the Parliament, key government installations, luxury hotels, embassies and the offices of foreign organisations, have been blocked for civilian vehicles.

Armed police guards have set up several checkpoints across the city while authorities have implemented traffic diversions to ensure smooth movement of the visiting teams.

Authorities have also declared a holiday on Thursday and Friday in the national capital in a bid to minimise civilian movements ahead of the crucial talks. Many schools and shops have been closed, with only limited activity seen in some areas.

The upcoming negotiations come in the wake of a two-week ceasefire between Tehran and Washington, announced after a period of intensifying conflict triggered by the February 28 killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Facilitated through Pakistan’s diplomatic intervention, the temporary truce has opened a narrow and fragile opportunity for both sides to engage in talks, which are aimed at preventing further escalation.

Nevertheless, Al Jazeera has reported that the Iranian delegation is yet to leave for Pakistan due to the ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon, even as US Vice President JD Vance and his delegation have left Hungary for the upcoming talks.

PAKISTAN ASSURES US AMBASSADOR OF 'FOOLPROOF SECURITY'

According to a Gulf News report, Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has assured the US Ambassador of "foolproof security" for the visiting American delegation.

His assurance comes even as a 30-member US advance team has arrived in Islamabad to review security arrangements, according to the publication.

However, doubts have been raised about Islamabad's ability to secure the crucial event, scheduled to take place at Hotel Serena, a prominent five-star property and a regular venue for high-level diplomatic engagements.

Former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer has expressed concern for US negotiators in Islamabad, arguing that Pakistan is dangerous as the government is not fully in control.

SECURITY BEYOND ISLAMABAD

Several reports also suggest that Islamabad has also taken steps to secure its airspace ahead of the talks. According to open source data, the Pakistan Air Force has deployed IL-78 refuelling tankers and C-130 aircraft to ensure safe air protocol for incoming delegations.

PAF fighter jets have been spotted over Bandar Abbas in Iran, providing escort to the Iranian delegation's aircraft. According to defence analysts, an AWACS platform has been deployed to establish a "protective shield" across the flight path. This has been done to prevent any Israeli attack on the Iranian delegation during its Islamabad trip.

PAKISTAN TO ISSUE VISA-ON-ARRIVAL FOR TALKS

Meanwhile, Pakistan has decided to issue visa-on-arrival for all individuals travelling for the upcoming talks.

According to a document from the Government of Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior & Narcotics Control, all delegates, including journalists, will be granted visas on arrival. The government has also set up special facilitation desks at airports to assist arrivals.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan has streamlined entry procedures to support the talks between the US and Iran.

With Pakistan emerging as a key mediator amid the Middle East conflict, the international community will keenly watch Islamabad's ability to execute the critical negotiations between the two arch-rivals.