Capital tightens security, as Pakistan hosts ‘Islamabad Talks’

Strict traffic restrictions were imposed across the federal capital on Saturday as US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Islamabad to participate in the US-Iran peace talks, with key highways closed and diversions put in place while authorities sealed multiple routes and restricted access to sensitive areas.

Islamabad Police, in a traffic advisory posted on X, said diversions had been implemented on the Islamabad Expressway and Srinagar Highway, while public transport on the Expressway had been suspended.

The advisory added that transporters had been instructed not to park at bus stops or loops, and that the Red Zone and Extended Red Zone had been closed to all types of traffic.

According to the statement, key routes affected include Kashmir Chowk via Club Road towards Zero Point on Srinagar Highway, Srinagar Highway from Zero Point towards Serena Chowk, Shakar Parian Road from Chand Tara Chowk towards Seventh Avenue, Jinnah Avenue from Khayaban Chowk towards Blue Area, and Margalla Road from Faisal Chowk to Trail 3.

In a separate post on X, the Capital Development Authority said that Chief Commissioner Sohail Ashraf, accompanied by Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, visited multiple points along the VIP route to review security arrangements across the city.

On Thursday, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi assured US Charge d’Affaires to Pakistan Natalie Baker of foolproof security ahead of the arrival of high-level foreign delegations in Islamabad.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior on X, Natalie met with Naqvi, where both discussed the upcoming talks and the Middle East situation. “We have made extensive arrangements to ensure foolproof security for all international guests attending these crucial negotiations,” he said.

Perilous ceasefire

A fragile, conditional ceasefire is in place between the US and Iran, agreed after weeks of intense conflict. The deal revolves around a two‑week pause in fighting, largely aimed at halting major military strikes and reopening strategic routes like the Strait of Hormuz — although core disagreements remain unresolved.

Both Washington and Tehran have declared the ceasefire a kind of victory, even as they stick to competing demands for a long‑term settlement.

At the centre of the truce is a 10‑point proposal from Iran, which the US has described as a “workable basis” for negotiation. The plan reportedly covers issues like non‑aggression, control and operation of the Strait of Hormuz, lifting sanctions, and cessation of hostilities on multiple fronts — including calls for an end to wars in related theatres.

This framework is now set to guide peace talks, with Pakistan expected to host negotiations aimed at turning the temporary ceasefire into a more durable peace.