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Islamabad has been transformed into a high-security zone ahead of the crucial peace talks between the United States and Iran on Friday, April 10, putting the spotlight on the Pakistani capital. The authorities have officially "requisitioned" the five-star Serena Hotel, ordering all private guests to vacate until Sunday (April 12). A 3-km security perimeter now encircles the hotel, effectively isolating it from the rest of the city.
The Pakistani government has declared local holidays on Thursday and Friday to minimise traffic and maximise security. US Vice President JD Vance is expected to lead the American delegation, joined by special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner. They will face an Iranian team led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Earlier on Thursday, Pakistan Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), met with the country's PM, Shehbaz Sharif, to finalise security and diplomatic protocols. The leadership expressed "cautious satisfaction" over the current de-escalation.
In a joint statement, Sharif and Munir reiterated Pakistan's commitment to providing "all-out support" to both sides. The prime minister lauded the restraint shown by both Washington and Tehran, emphasising that the upcoming weekend is a critical window for a "peacefully negotiated settlement."
Despite the diplomatic momentum, the atmosphere remains tense. Reports of minor ceasefire violations have emerged, and the "two-week clock" set by the agreement is ticking.
ALSO READ | 'Our fingers remain on the trigger': Iran flags ceasefire violation ahead Islamabad talks
Iran’s Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, warned that continued Israeli attacks on Lebanon would bring “explicit costs and STRONG responses,” while insisting that a two-week ceasefire in the Iran war extended to Lebanon. Israel has disagreed.
Israeli strikes on Wednesday, April 8, without warning, killed at least 203 people and wounded more than 1,000, Lebanon’s Health Ministry said. Israel's military said it targeted Hezbollah sites, but several strikes hit densely-packed commercial and residential areas during rush hour, leading to widespread civilian casualties. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called the attacks “barbaric.”
Israeli strikes continued targeting southern Lebanon on Thursday. Israel also said it had killed an aide and nephew of Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem, Ali Yusuf Harshi, in the strikes.
Click here for LIVE Updates on US-Israel-Iran war
The Pakistani government has declared local holidays on Thursday and Friday to minimise traffic and maximise security. US Vice President JD Vance is expected to lead the American delegation, joined by special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner. They will face an Iranian team led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Earlier on Thursday, Pakistan Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), met with the country's PM, Shehbaz Sharif, to finalise security and diplomatic protocols. The leadership expressed "cautious satisfaction" over the current de-escalation.
In a joint statement, Sharif and Munir reiterated Pakistan's commitment to providing "all-out support" to both sides. The prime minister lauded the restraint shown by both Washington and Tehran, emphasising that the upcoming weekend is a critical window for a "peacefully negotiated settlement."
Despite the diplomatic momentum, the atmosphere remains tense. Reports of minor ceasefire violations have emerged, and the "two-week clock" set by the agreement is ticking.
ALSO READ | 'Our fingers remain on the trigger': Iran flags ceasefire violation ahead Islamabad talks
Iran’s Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, warned that continued Israeli attacks on Lebanon would bring “explicit costs and STRONG responses,” while insisting that a two-week ceasefire in the Iran war extended to Lebanon. Israel has disagreed.
Israeli strikes on Wednesday, April 8, without warning, killed at least 203 people and wounded more than 1,000, Lebanon’s Health Ministry said. Israel's military said it targeted Hezbollah sites, but several strikes hit densely-packed commercial and residential areas during rush hour, leading to widespread civilian casualties. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called the attacks “barbaric.”
Israeli strikes continued targeting southern Lebanon on Thursday. Israel also said it had killed an aide and nephew of Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem, Ali Yusuf Harshi, in the strikes.
Click here for LIVE Updates on US-Israel-Iran war
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