Pakistan to issue visa on arrival for 'Islamabad Talks' delegates

Pakistan's federal capital is on "red alert" on the occasion of peace talks between the US and Iran, with more than 10,000 police and security personnel deployed to ensure the safety of the visiting delegates.

Meanwhile, Pakistan will issue visas on arrival to those coming to Pakistan in connection with the peace talks.

In a post shared on X, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said airlines have been instructed to allow visa-free boarding for individuals travelling to the country in connection with the US-Iran talks in Islamabad.

He said that immigration authorities will issue visas on arrival upon their entry into Pakistan. The move is aimed at ensuring smooth access for participants and reflects Islamabad's commitment to hosting an inclusive and well-attended diplomatic event.

Dar extended his welcome to “all delegates, including journalists from participating nations, travelling in relation to Islamabad Talks 2026.”

Foreign delegations from Iran and the US are expected in Islamabad for talks aimed at ending the US-Israeli war on Iran, following a two-week Pakistan-brokered ceasefire.

Later, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi clarified in a post on X that Pakistan had extended visa-free travel to delegates and journalists from participating nations of Islamabad Talks 2026, i.e., Iran and the US.

“This facility, extended for the duration of the talks, does not cover third-country nationals,” he said.

On Friday evening, US Vice President JD Vance, who leads the US delegation, departed for Islamabad.
 
The Ministry of Interior has also issued a formal notification confirming that all individuals travelling for the Islamabad Talks 2026 will be granted visa-on-arrival facilities.

 
The move comes as Pakistan takes center stage diplomatically following a recent ceasefire between the United States and Iran, with Islamabad set to host critical negotiations between the two sides.
 
According to sources, delegation-level talks are scheduled to begin on Friday, with the main phase of negotiations expected on Saturday.
 
The United States delegation will be led by Vice President JD Vance, along with senior negotiator Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
 
Iran will be represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
 
Earlier, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif visited the venue of the talks and reviewed the security arrangements.
 
Officials said the multi-tiered security arrangement would be supervised by the military, assisted by the paramilitary forces, such as Rangers, and the Islamabad and Punjab police.

A convoy believed to be carrying the officials from Saudi Arabia moves along a road as Pakistan prepares to host the US and Iran for peace talks, in Islamabad. Reuters

The Islamabad Traffic Police and the National Highway and Motorways Police will be deployed on roads to ensure smooth traffic flow.

About 6,000 personnel of the federal capital police, 900 Frontier Constabulary, and 3,000 personnel of the Punjab Constabulary, along with the Rangers and Pakistan Army troops, would perform duties.

About 1,000 traffic police officials would also be deployed.

The Pakistan army and the Rangers would ensure the protection of the red zone and the high-security zone.

Pakistani army soldiers arrive for deployment at the Red Zone area of Islamabad. AFP

The troops were deployed at important buildings in the red zone, with contingents of the Quick Response Force also stationed at different points. Troops were also deployed in the Margalla Hills.

All entry points to the red zone, except for the Margalla Road, would remain closed. Only authorised officials and residents would be allowed through the Margalla Road. Besides, separate routes were selected for the movements of the visiting delegates from the airport to their place of stay.

On the routes, the security and police personnel would protect both sides and a 'blue book' protocol would be extended to the delegates.

Members of the media report with the President House building in the background, in Islamabad. REuters

Close protection teams deployed with the VVIPs will not be allowed any kind of gadgets, including mobile phones and digital watches.

Extraordinary security measures were also in place in neighbouring Rawalpindi. The local administration and police closed Old Airport Road and roads leading to Nur Khan Airbase by placing containers and barbed wire.

Police officers equipped with riot gear walk at D Chowk area, near the President's House. Reuters

Traffic diversions and the blocking of roads with shipping containers caused inconvenience to the public, already facing difficulties moving within the city and cantonment areas due to the closure of Old Airport Road from Rahimabad to Koral Chowk.