ISLAMABAD (April 20, 2026) — Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker on Monday to finalize the security framework for the second round of the historic “Islamabad Talks.” The meeting follows President Donald Trump’s announcement that American negotiators are due to arrive in the capital by Monday evening to resume direct dialogue with Iranian representatives.
Security & Diplomacy Highlights
- Finalizing a multi-layered security plan for the US and Iranian delegations following the April 22 ceasefire deadline.
- Islamabad’s Red Zone has been closed to all unauthorized traffic; the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Islamabad Police are on high alert.
- The meeting included FIA DG Dr. Usman Anwar, the Islamabad Chief Commissioner, and the IGP.
وفاقی وزیر داخلہ محسن نقوی کی ڈپلومیٹک انکلیو میں امریکہ کے سفارتخانے آمد
وزیر داخلہ محسن نقوی کی امریکی سفیر نیٹلی بیکر سے ملاقات
ملاقات میں پاک امریکہ تعلقات کے فروغ اور خطے کی تازہ ترین صورتحال پر تفصیلی تبادلہ خیال pic.twitter.com/z50mgSuZQ2— Ministry of Interior GoP (@MOIofficialGoP) April 20, 2026
“Special Security” for high-stakes guests
Minister Naqvi personally briefed Ambassador Baker on the “extraordinary” security arrangements activated across the capital. Given the sensitivities of the previous round—where the Pakistan Air Force had to escort Iranian negotiators home—Naqvi emphasized that the Interior Ministry has taken direct responsibility for the safety of all “special guests.” The Minister expressed optimism for a breakthrough, noting that Pakistan remains prayerful for the success of this round.
Islamabad and Rawalpindi go into security lockdown as Pakistan prepares for possible second round of high-stakes US-Iran talks amid regional tensions.https://t.co/2ZBFQzXerq pic.twitter.com/4O5upKAsLF
— Gulf News (@gulf_news) April 19, 2026
US appreciation for Pakistan’s role
Ambassador Baker conveyed Washington’s appreciation for Pakistan’s “sincere and pivotal” role in de-escalating regional tensions. While the first round (April 11–12) ended without a final agreement, the US administration has signaled that the “Islamabad Channel” remains the most viable path to a permanent settlement.
A capital under “Overdrive”
As the April 22 ceasefire expiration looms just 48 hours away, Islamabad has transformed into a high-security diplomatic hub:
- Traffic Diversions: Alternate routes have been issued as the Diplomatic Enclave and surrounding areas face strict access controls.
- Logistics: The Prime Minister’s Office and the Foreign Office are working in tandem to ensure the seamless resumption of the 21-hour negotiation format established last week.
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