Islamabad,(Parliament Times): Pakistan on Friday clarified that the special visa-on-arrival facility announced for the upcoming “Islamabad Talks” will be available only to delegates and journalists from the participating countries — the United States and Iran.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated that the temporary arrangement has been introduced solely for individuals directly involved in the negotiations. “This facility, extended for the duration of the talks, does not apply to third-country nationals,” he said.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced that Pakistan would grant visas on arrival to officials and media representatives travelling to attend the talks in Islamabad.
In a post on X, Dar said Pakistan welcomes all delegates and journalists from the participating nations arriving in connection with the Islamabad Talks 2026. He also requested airlines to allow such travellers to board flights to Pakistan even if they do not possess a visa beforehand, assuring that immigration authorities will issue visas upon arrival.
Pakistan is preparing to host what could become one of the most significant diplomatic engagements in recent years, as senior leaders from the United States and Iran are scheduled to meet in Islamabad for negotiations following a devastating six-week conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and shaken the global economy.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reviewed the security arrangements and directed authorities to ensure foolproof measures for the visiting dignitaries.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior Pakistan on X, Naqvi chaired a high-level meeting where officials assessed security, protocol and facilitation plans for the incoming delegations. He stressed that the hosting of the US-Iran dialogue in Islamabad following the ceasefire was a matter of honour for Pakistan.
Authorities also discussed the complete sealing of the capital’s Red Zone, allowing entry only to authorised personnel. A central control room has been established by the Interior Ministry to coordinate security operations and event management.
The Islamabad Traffic Police also issued a traffic advisory ahead of the arrival of foreign delegations. Chief Traffic Officer Muhammad Sarfraz Virk said traffic diversions will be placed on Srinagar Highway and the Expressway, while public access to the Red Zone will remain strictly restricted except for official vehicles.
Residents have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel toward the restricted areas and to use alternative routes during the security operations. Authorities advised citizens to follow official channels, including social media platforms and FM 92.4, for real-time traffic updates.
The high-stakes talks come just three days after a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran and aim to determine whether the temporary truce can evolve into a lasting peace agreement.
The United States delegation will be led by Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by key Middle East envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Iran’s delegation is expected to be headed by Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf along with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior officials.
The presence of top leaders from both countries highlights the urgency and significance of the negotiations, which global observers see as a crucial test of diplomacy after weeks of conflict.
Ahead of the meeting, Islamabad has been placed under an unprecedented security lockdown, with major roads sealed, heavy deployment of security personnel and enhanced surveillance across the capital. Officials said the negotiations will take place at a secure and undisclosed location away from the media.