Foolproof security set for Islamabad talks

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi assured US Charge d'Affaires to Pakistan Natalie Baker on Thursday of foolproof security ahead of the arrival of high-level foreign delegations in Islamabad on Friday for the US-Iran ceasefire talks. The meeting came a day after Pakistan brokered a US?Iran two?week ceasefire. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Iran and the US, along with their allies, had agreed to an immediate ceasefire 'everywhere, including Lebanon,' effective immediately. He invited delegations from both nations to Islamabad on April 10 to negotiate a conclusive settlement. Later, the White House announced that US President Donald Trump was sending Vice President JD Vance and other negotiators to Islamabad for talks with Iran beginning on Saturday. Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi would be representing Tehran. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior on X today, 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. Naqvi said that US Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner would attend as special guests. The statement further added that Natalie expressed her appreciation for Pakistan's efforts in mediating the peace talks. In light of security measures, the administration of the twin cities had already announced a two-day public holiday on April 9 and 10, with all educational institutions and government offices would remain closed. Islamabad Police issued a traffic diversion plan for April 9 and 10 due to the movement of foreign delegations. It further added that diversions would be implemented on the Express Highway, and citizens were advised to plan their travel with extra time to avoid inconvenience.