Islamabad, Pakistan – As world capitals await the outcome of the “last chance” negotiations, Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the completion of all security and logistical arrangements for hosting the historic talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad.
In a series of statements and official Interior Ministry posts on the X platform, Naqvi confirmed that Pakistan has mobilized its security forces to ensure “ironclad protection” for the high-level delegations. He also described hosting these talks as “a great honor and responsibility for Pakistan” in the pursuit of regional peace.
Red Zone: Complete lockdown and maximum alert
The Interior Minister announced the establishment of a central operations room, operating around the clock in direct coordination with the Interior Ministry and intelligence agencies, to monitor the security situation in real time. Under the security plan, the “Red Zone” in the capital, Islamabad, was to remain completely closed to the public. Access was restricted to authorized personnel and official delegations only. The measures also included declaring a public holiday in Islamabad and Rawalpindi to facilitate the movement of diplomatic convoys. Thousands of police and paramilitary personnel were deployed under the “Blue Book” protocol, reserved for VIPs. Additionally, the Serena Hotel was designated as the exclusive venue for the negotiations, and a tight security cordon was established around it and the access routes to the international airport.
High-level delegations and Pakistani hospitality
Following his meeting with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker, Naqvi explained that Pakistan would provide “the utmost hospitality” to the distinguished guests. These included US Vice President J.D. Vance, envoys Steve Wittkopf and Jared Kushner, and the Iranian delegation headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. He stated, “We have instructed all relevant authorities to take every possible measure to provide hospitality befitting Pakistan’s stature and to ensure the safety of the guests representing the parties to the conflict who are seeking to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.”
These intensified security measures come amid a fragile ceasefire. They also coincide with growing hopes that the Islamabad talks will open new diplomatic channels concerning maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and the easing of economic sanctions. Therefore, Pakistan’s role as mediator and host is becoming a cornerstone of regional and global stability.
