Pakistan on Thursday increased security in the national capital as it prepares for high-level talks between the US and Iran later this week.Authorities locked down the capital Islamabad, blocking access to a 3-kilometre area around the five-star luxury Serena Hotel. Both the US and Iranian delegations are expected to stay at the hotel, which has asked all guests to check out by Sunday as it was “expected” for “an important event”.The hotel has been placed under government control, while roads leading to the area have been sealed. Checkpoints, barricades and patrolling have been increased across the city and additional security forces have been deployed.Security officials said the measures go beyond routine arrangements for a high-profile visit, with airspace surveillance stepped up and emergency services put on standby.
Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan said on Thursday that an Iranian delegation is expected to reach Islamabad late Thursday for talks. Ambassador Reza Moghadam said, “Despite the skepticism 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 the 10 points proposed by Iran.”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 preparations for the upcoming talks. According to a statement issued by the Interior Ministry, Naqvi assured that the members of the US delegation were “our special guests”.Dawn said that a 30-member advance American team has already reached Islamabad to review the security arrangements. To ensure the safety of the delegates and their stay in Islamabad, authorities have already declared a two-day local holiday in the capital on Thursday and Friday.
