Islamabad put under lockdown as Pakistan preps to host US-Iran talks

Pakistan on Thursday beefed up security in the national capital as it prepares for high-stakes talks between the US and Iran this weekend with anxiety.

Authorities locked down the capital Islamabad, cutting off all access to a 3-km zone around the five-star luxury Serena Hotel. Both the US and Iranian delegations are expected to stay at the hotel, which told all guests to check out by Sunday as it had been "requisitioned" for "an important event".




The hotel has been placed under govt control, while roads leading to the area have been sealed. Checkpoints, barricades and patrols have been stepped up across the city and extra security forces have been deployed.

Security officials said the measures went beyond routine arrangements for a high-profile visit, with airspace surveillance enhanced and emergency services placed on standby.

An Iranian delegation was expected to arrive in Islamabad late on Thursday night for talks, Iran's ambassador to Pakistan said on Thursday. "Despite scepticism of Iranian public opinion due to repeated ceasefire violations by the Israeli regime, the Iranian delegation will arrive in Islamabad for serious talks based on 10 points proposed by Iran," ambassador Reza Moghadam said.

On Thursday, interior minister Mohsin Naqvi assured US Charge d'affaires Natalie Baker of foolproof security for all foreign dignitaries when she met him to discuss the preparation for the upcoming talks. Naqvi assured that the US delegation members were "our special guests," according to a statement issued by the ministry of interior.

Dawn reported that a 30-member advance US team had already arrived in Islamabad to review security arrangements. Authorities have already announced a two-day local holiday on Thursday and Friday in the capital to ensure the security of the delegates and their stay in Islamabad.