Khaberni - Islamabad is preparing to receive the American and Iranian delegations, after it mediated a temporary ceasefire agreement between the two countries for two weeks, following about 40 days of fierce war between Iran on one side and America and Israel on the other.
Yesterday and today, Friday, the Pakistani capital witnessed heightened security measures in its streets, with a public holiday declared for employees. The authorities strengthened security measures in the streets surrounding the luxurious Serena Hotel, where two sources stated that the talks are scheduled to take place. The hotel was evacuated of guests and placed under government control, while roads leading to the area were closed, according to Reuters.
The police also intensified checkpoints, barriers, and patrols throughout the city and deployed additional security forces. Security officials stated that the measures exceeded the routine arrangements for a high-level visit, as airspace surveillance was enhanced and emergency services were put on alert.
Vice President J.D. Vance of America, who will head his country's delegation, is expected to head to the capital today, according to his preliminary schedule. Vance will leave for Pakistan from Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, but the arrival time of the American delegation, which also includes Special Envoy Steve Whitcov and the American President's son-in-law Jared Kushner, has not yet been announced.
The Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, alongside Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, is also expected to reach Islamabad this evening, as previously announced by the Iranian ambassador in Pakistan in a post on X that was later deleted.
For more than one day
In that regard, Pakistani government sources who requested anonymity revealed that the two delegations would hold "direct" negotiations, aiming to reach a permanent ceasefire. They added that the talks are scheduled to start tomorrow, Saturday, and may extend for more than one day, as reported by Anadolu Agency.
They clarified that the meetings will be held amid tightened security, under the protection of the Pakistani army.
According to sources, there is no specified timeframe for the negotiations, which will include a mix of direct and indirect communication between the delegations.
"Face to face"
One of the sources said: "The two sides will meet face to face, and they will also hold separate talks with the Pakistani side." He added that the discussions might last "several days," given the "complex nature of the situation."
While another source pointed out that the direct negotiations might not take "more than two or three days due to security concerns."
For weeks, the Pakistani Army Chief Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif have participated in intense diplomatic efforts to stop a war that could increase instability along Pakistan's western border with Iran and Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, analysts believe that once Pakistani officials bring Washington and Tehran together at the negotiation table on Saturday, they will strive to steer the talks towards a permanent agreement.
Yesterday, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened that he would resume strikes on Iran even stronger and bigger if the agreement is not adhered to.
Meanwhile, Tehran threatened to suspend negotiations if the Israeli strikes on Lebanon continued, a stance that raised international concern and doubts about the fragile truce.
