Islamabad remains under tight security, with major roads and the Red Zone sealed, causing significant disruption for residents.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Pakistan, though official plans for direct US-Iran negotiations remain unconfirmed.
Despite a ceasefire extension by President Trump, previous diplomatic attempts have failed to secure a breakthrough in the ongoing conflict.
Islamabad Under Lockdown as US-Iran Peace Talks Remain Uncertain
Security cordons remain in place across the capital as diplomatic efforts to resume negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue.
Summary
Islamabad is under a strict security lockdown for the second time in recent weeks, as the capital remains cordoned off amid uncertainty surrounding potential peace negotiations between the United States and Iran.
Arterial roads leading into the city are sealed, and the Red Zone, which houses key government buildings and diplomatic missions, is under a heavy security cordon. In the adjacent commercial "Blue Area," markets are deserted, shops are facing supply shortages, and public transport services have been suspended, leaving commuters stranded. According to PTI, these restrictions were previously imposed on 11 April for a prior round of US-Iran talks that ended without an agreement, before being lifted and subsequently reinstated as Pakistan prepared for further engagements.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in the capital late Friday. He was received by senior Pakistani officials, including Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Despite the high-profile visit, the status of direct negotiations remains unclear. PTI reported that Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated on social media: "No meeting is planned to take place between Iran and the US. Iran's observations would be conveyed to Pakistan." Baqaei noted that Araghchi arrived for an "official visit" to consult on regional developments and the "American-imposed war of aggression."
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that US Special Envoy on the Middle East Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s adviser Jared Kushner were scheduled to depart for Pakistan on Saturday to "engage in direct talks" with the Iranian delegation. Leavitt added: “Everyone will be on standby to fly to Pakistan if necessary, but first, Steve and Jared will be going over there to report back to the president, the vice president and the rest of the team.” As of Saturday, the US team had yet to arrive.
Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has expressed hope for "meaningful engagements" to promote regional peace. As reported by PTI, a government official stated that a US logistics and security team is currently in Islamabad to facilitate the process. "Following key discussions with the Pakistani mediation team, a second round of peace talks between the United States and Iran is expected to be held in Islamabad on Saturday and Sunday," the official said.
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Araghchi is currently on a tour of Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow, stating that "Our neighbours are our priority." These diplomatic efforts follow the initial round of US-Iran talks held on 11 and 12 April, which failed to produce a breakthrough. The wider conflict began on 28 February with US-Israeli strikes; on Tuesday, President Trump extended a two-week ceasefire with Iran indefinitely to allow Tehran additional time to prepare a proposal to end the war.
(With inputs from PTI)
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