Islamabad Talks: Naqvi discusses security arrangements with US, Iranian envoys

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Monday held separate meetings with US Ambassador Natalie Baker and Iranian Ambassador Dr Reza Amiri Moghadam to discuss the preparations and security arrangements for the second phase of the Islamabad Talks.

Pakistan is set to host another round of negotiations between the United States and Iran aimed at a potential peace agreement, following the two week temporary ceasefire that expires on April 21.

Diplomatic sources maintain that the process is making a ‘positive progress’, though a final deal may only be reached during the second round of talks beginning Tuesday, Business Recorder reported on Monday.

Both sides had earlier engaged in marathon negotiations lasting 21 hours on April 11–12 in Islamabad, which ended inconclusively on certain contentious points.

Naqvi visited the United States Embassy in the Diplomatic Enclave to meet with US envoy Baker.

During the meeting, the two officials held detailed discussions on strengthening Pakistan-US bilateral relations and reviewed the latest regional situation. A primary focus of the talks was the security arrangements implemented for the upcoming second round of the Islamabad Talks.

Ambassador Baker commended Pakistan’s sincere role in de-escalating tensions across the region.

Minister Naqvi briefed the ambassador on the comprehensive security protocols established for the talks, stating that special arrangements have been made to ensure the safety of all high-profile guests.

He expressed his optimism for the success of the second round of negotiations.

The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Federal Investigation Agency Director General Dr Usman Anwar, Islamabad Chief Commissioner Sohail Ashraf, Islamabad Inspector General Police Ali Nasir Rizvi, and Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Memon.

Separately, The security czar met with the Iranian Ambassador Moghadam as well. During the meeting, they emphasised the necessity of finding a sustainable solution to regional tensions through diplomatic and consultative channels.

Minister Naqvi briefed the ambassador on his recent visit to Iran and reiterated that Pakistan remains a staunch advocate for resolving the Iran-US conflict through dialogue. He noted that a lasting resolution to the dispute is the only guarantee for stability and peace in the region.

Ambassador Moghadam commended Pakistan’s positive and constructive role in de-escalating regional tensions. Confirming the readiness of the federal capital for the upcoming talks, Minister Naqvi stated that preparations for the second phase of the Islamabad Dialogue are complete, with fool-proof security measures in place for all foreign delegations.

“Pakistan deeply values its decades-long brotherly ties with Iran,” he added.

The meeting was also attended by the chief commissioner, the IG Islamabad Police, and the deputy commissioner of Islamabad.

The development takes place as high-level delegations from the US and Iran are set to arrive in Islamabad to resume face-to-face talks suspended on April 12.