Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday assured United States (US) Ambassador to Pakistan Natalie Baker of “foolproof security” for all foreign guests visiting the capital ahead of the US-Iran peace talks scheduled to begin Saturday.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior, Naqvi confirmed that US Vice President JD Vance, US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were considered “special guests”, and a comprehensive plan had been prepared for their visit.

“A comprehensive plan has been prepared to provide foolproof security to all foreign guests in every respect,” he said during the meeting, which the US envoy acknowledged, appreciating Pakistan’s diplomatic role.

The two-week ceasefire announced between Washington DC and Tehran has paved the way for in-person negotiations in the federal capital.

A 30-member advance US team has already arrived to review security arrangements, and authorities have declared April 9 and 10 as local holidays in the twin cities to ensure smooth conduct of the talks. While essential services, including hospitals, Municipal Corporation Islamabad, Capital Development Authority (CDA), Islamabad Electric Supply Corporation and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines, will remain operational, other public services will be closed.

A hotel located within the Red Zone has been reserved for the delegations, and the management has asked guests to check out under government instructions. The hotel issued a letter to inform guests that the premises had been requisitioned for an important event until Sunday evening, copies of which also went viral over the internet.

The Red Zone would remain completely sealed during the delegates’ stay in the capital and the high-security zone starting from Faisal Avenue will also be sealed as required, depending on the movements of the delegations.

Certain entry points to the capital will also be closed.

VVIP protocol under the Blue Book will be applied to the visiting delegations during their movement, stay and meetings. Police, paramilitary troops, and other security agencies will operate under strict SOPs, with separate routes prepared for delegations. 

Intelligence-based surveillance has been increased, and security tightened at bus terminals, slums and wooded areas around the high-security zone.

State-run rescue departments and hospitals have been put on high alert, instructed to remain on standby with staff and essential supplies available.

Commuters have been advised to plan travel in advance as the Islamabad Police, in a traffic advisory on X, announced diversions on the Express Highway due to the movement of foreign delegations and asked for public cooperation.

The talks follow confirmation from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and the US of their participation.

The first round, led by Vance and including Witkoff and Kushner, is set to take place on Saturday. Pakistan has facilitated diplomatic channels between Tehran and Washington DC, engaged regional stakeholders, and coordinated with Beijing to support a framework that includes a ceasefire, dialogue and protection of critical infrastructure.