FO clarifies visa-on-arrival facility for ‘Islamabad Talks’ limited to US, Iran delegates, journalists

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf landed in Pakistan late on Friday night to attend high-stakes negotiation talks with the United States.

The Foreign Office (FO) said the “high-powered delegation” was led by Ghalibaf and was received by Deputy Prime Minister and FM Ishaq Dar, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshall Syed Asim Munir.

The FO said FM Dar expressed the hope that the parties would “engage constructively” and reiterated Pakistan’s desire to continue facilitating them towards reaching a lasting and durable solution to the conflict.

Iran’s Press TV reported that the delegation includes FM Araghchi, Defence Council Secretary Ali Akbar Ahmadian, Central Bank Chief Abdolnaser Hemmati and some members of parliament.

Earlier, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi clarified that the visa-on-arrival facility provided by Pakistan for the ‘Islamabad Talks’ applies only to delegates and journalists from participating nations, namely Iran and the United States. “This facility, extended for the duration of the talks, does not cover third-country nationals,” he added.

Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that delegates and journalists from participating nations coming to Islamabad will be issued a visa on arrival.

In a post on X today, FM Dar said, “Pakistan welcomes all delegates, including journalists from participating nations, travelling in relation to 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 a visa on arrival.”

Pakistan is set to host what could prove to be one of the most consequential diplomatic engagements in recent history, as senior leaders from the US and Iran arrive in Islamabad for high-stakes negotiations following a devastating six-week war that has left thousands dead and pushed the global economy to the brink of recession.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reviewed security arrangements and directed that foolproof security measures be implemented for foreign dignitaries.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior on X, Naqvi chaired a high-level security meeting where arrangements and operational plans were reviewed, focusing on security, protocol, and facilitation measures for the visiting delegations.

Directing authorities to ensure smooth arrangements for the foreign delegations, he said, ‘The holding of the US-Iran talks in Islamabad after the ceasefire is an honour for Pakistan.’

The meeting also discussed the complete sealing of the Red Zone, with only authorised personnel being granted entry. ‘A control room has been set up by the Ministry of Interior to manage security and coordination of the event,’ Naqvi added.

Islamabad Police also issued a traffic advisory in view of the movement of foreign delegations in the capital.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) of Islamabad, Muhammad Sarfraz Virk, diversions would be placed on Srinagar and Express Highways.

It stated that entry into the Red Zone was strictly prohibited, except for official government vehicles, and the public has been urged not to travel towards the area.

“Security in the city remains on high alert, with strict checks underway at all entry and exit points. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel except in emergencies and to use alternative routes during the diversions,” it added.

The statement further requested citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, and for traffic updates, the public had been advised to follow the Islamabad Traffic Police’s WhatsApp channel, social media pages, and FM 92.4 for real-time information.

Just three days after a fragile and hard-won ceasefire, the talks, scheduled for Friday, aim to determine whether the tenuous truce can be transformed into a durable peace agreement. With tensions still simmering across the Middle East, the Islamabad dialogue is being closely watched by world capitals as a critical test of diplomacy over conflict.

The American delegation will be led by Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by President Donald Trump’s key Middle East envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. On the Iranian side, Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is expected to head the delegation, alongside Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior officials.

The presence of such high-level figures underscores both the urgency and the gravity of the situation.

Islamabad has effectively been placed under an unprecedented security lockdown ahead of the talks. Key routes have been sealed, security personnel heavily deployed, and surveillance heightened to ensure the safety of visiting dignitaries. Officials say the negotiations will take place at a secure, undisclosed location, away from the media spotlight.