Islamabad, April 20, 2026: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Monday held a key meeting with the United States’ Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan, Natalie Baker, to review security arrangements ahead of the expected arrival of a US delegation in Islamabad for potential talks with Iran.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior, Naqvi visited the US Embassy in the Diplomatic Enclave, where both sides discussed the evolving regional situation and prospects for strengthening Pakistan–US relations.
The interior minister briefed the US envoy on the “foolproof” security measures put in place for the anticipated second round of Islamabad talks, assuring that special arrangements had been made to ensure the safety of visiting delegations. He also expressed hope for the success of the upcoming negotiations.
In response, Baker appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in efforts to reduce regional tensions, the statement added.
Senior officials, including Federal Investigation Agency Director General Dr Usman Anwar, Islamabad Chief Commissioner Sohail Ashraf, Inspector General of Police Ali Nasir Rizvi, and Deputy Commissioner Irfan Memon, were also present during the meeting.
The development follows an earlier meeting between Naqvi and Baker on April 9, ahead of the first round of US–Iran talks hosted by Pakistan on April 11–12, which ended without a formal agreement but maintained diplomatic engagement.
Traffic plan and road closures announced
In anticipation of foreign delegations’ arrival, Islamabad police have issued a comprehensive traffic management plan, announcing extensive road closures and diversions across the capital.
Authorities said the Red Zone and Extended Red Zone will remain completely closed to all traffic. Key arteries, including the Expressway from Koral to Zero Point, will also be shut, while traffic flow on Srinagar Highway may face intermittent suspension.
Heavy traffic entry into the capital has been restricted from all directions, with transporters advised to avoid travel towards Islamabad during this period.
Alternative routes have been designated for residents. Those in G-5, G-6, G-7, F-6 and F-7 sectors have been directed to use Ninth Avenue via Margalla Road for travel between Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Additional diversions have been planned through Srinagar Highway, Stadium Road, Murree Road, Chandni Chowk, and Rawal Road in case of further closures.
Residents commuting between Bara Kahu and Rawalpindi have been advised to use Korang Road and Bani Gala, while alternative routes have also been outlined for traffic from Saddar and GT Road.
Motorways partially closed
Separately, authorities have temporarily closed major motorways, including M-2, M-1, and M-3, to public transport as part of heightened security measures. However, private vehicles are still permitted to use these routes.
Officials said the restrictions were implemented on federal government directives to ensure smooth and secure movement of foreign delegations.
The heightened security comes after US President Donald Trump announced that American representatives would arrive in Islamabad for a second round of negotiations with Iran. The first round of talks, mediated by Pakistan, marked a rare instance of direct engagement between Washington and Tehran.
The diplomatic push coincides with a fragile two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, brokered on April 8 after weeks of conflict. The ceasefire is set to expire on April 22, adding urgency to ongoing efforts for de-escalation.
However, tensions remain high, particularly over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has reportedly closed in response to US actions, demanding an end to the blockade of its ports before reopening the vital maritime corridor.
With Islamabad once again at the center of high-stakes diplomacy, security across the city has been significantly tightened. Authorities say the measures aim to ensure the safety of both foreign delegations and residents, as Pakistan positions itself as a key facilitator in efforts to ease regional tensions.
