Pakistan allows visa-free boarding, offers visa on arrival for Islamabad Talks delegates

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday said airlines have been instructed to allow visa-free boarding for individuals travelling to the country in connection with the US-Iran talks in Islamabad.

Pakistan is set to host the US-Iran talks on Saturday, following a two-week Pakistan-brokered ceasefire, bringing a pause in the hostilities which broke out on February 28.

In a post shared on X, Dar shared an official directive and said, “Airlines are requested to permit boarding to all such individuals without visa. Immigration authorities in Pakistan will issue them visa on arrival”.

Dar extended his welcome to “all delegates, including journalists from participating nations, travelling in relation to Islamabad Talks 2026”.

Ahead of the talks, authorities have taken strict security measures across the twin cities, with more than 10,000 police and security personnel deployed.

As per sources, the multi-tiered security arrangement would be supervised by the military, assi­sted by the paramilitary forces, such as Rangers, and the Islam­abad and Punjab police.

The army and the Rangers would ensure the protection of the red zone and the high-security zone. The troops were deployed at important buildings in the red zone, with contingents of the Quick Response Force also stationed at different points. Troops were also deployed in the Margalla Hills.

All entry points to the red zone, except for the Margalla Road, would remain closed. Only authorised officials and residents would be allowed through the Margalla Road.

Besides, separate routes were selected for the movements of the visiting delegates from the airport to their place of stay. On the routes, the security and police personnel would protect both sides, and a ‘blue book’ protocol would be extended to the delegates.

Islamabad Talks

Pakistan is set to host the US-Iran talks on Saturday, following a two-week Pakistan-brokered ceasefire, bringing a pause in the hostilities which broke out on February 28.

On Wednesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed Tehran’s participation in Pakistan-brokered peace talks with the United States in Islamabad to finalise a peaceful settlement to the conflict.

The US also confirmed its participation in the talks, with the White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt saying that the US was dispatching a team of negotiators led by US Vice President JD Vance and including US Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad, with the “first round” taking place on Saturday.

Pakistan has positioned itself as a facilitator in the peace process between Tehran and Washington. Earlier this week, the country’s diplomatic efforts culminated in a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran announced by PM Shehbaz.