Islamabad Prepares for High-Level Talks Between US and Iran
“Friday [April 10], all eyes will be on Islamabad as delegations from the United States and Iran arrive in the capital to pave the way for a permanent ceasefire,” wrote the Pakistani newspaper The Nation in an editorial. “This is a historic moment for the region, and the outcome of these negotiations could shape the Middle East and West Asia for decades to come.”
The American delegation will be led by Vice President J. D. Vance, along with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, envoys of Donald Trump. From Iran, the President of Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and the Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghtchi, are expected to attend, according to Dawn.
In what could be one of the most important diplomatic meetings in recent history, the Pakistani capital has been transformed into a fortress ahead of the talks. The role of Pakistan is not just limited to mediation but also as a security guarantor throughout the negotiations, as highlighted by The Nation.
“With moments like these, security is not a secondary concern. It is an integral part of diplomacy,” the Lahore newspaper added.
Closed roads, 10,000 police officers, and days off
In practical terms, Dawn explains that the capital has been placed on “red alert.” “More than 10,000 police officers and security agents have been deployed to ensure the security of visiting delegates,” The Nation added. Several roads have been closed, along with hiking trails in the Margalla Hills overlooking northern Islamabad. Emergency services and hospitals are on high alert. To facilitate all these measures, authorities have declared two days off, Thursday 9 and Friday 10 April, in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the third largest city in Pakistan.
The location of the negotiations is being kept secret, “away from the spotlight,” according to The Express Tribune. “Pakistan plays the role of host and mediator,” explained a senior official, urging restraint.
“It’s not a media show. The goal is not the images, but the results,” the official stated.
Pakistan Today believes that Pakistani authorities are taking a big risk by hosting these talks. The newspaper called it a “poisoned gift.” “If the negotiations lead to an agreement, the world will applaud Iran and the United States for avoiding the worst. Otherwise, Pakistan will bear some responsibility,” the article concluded.
