The move comes as Pakistan is set to host senior US and Iranian officials in Islamabad for talks aimed at ending hostilities in the Middle East.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday met United States Ambassador Natalie Baker, where they discussed the current situation in the Middle East and exchanged views on the upcoming high-level US-Iran peace talks scheduled to begin in Islamabad from Friday.
Pakistan is set to host delegations from the United States and Iran following a temporary ceasefire reportedly facilitated through Islamabad.
According to details, the conflict escalated after strikes on Iran by Israel and the United States, which resulted in the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, triggering retaliatory actions across the region.
Pakistan, which maintains close ties with the United States and remains sensitive to developments in neighbouring Iran, has recently played a role in facilitating communication between Tehran and Washington.
Both sides later agreed to a two-week truce shortly before the expiration of a deadline issued by former US President Donald Trump.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt had stated that President Trump was sending his Iran negotiating team, led by Vice President JD Vance, to Pakistan for talks, with the first round scheduled this week.
Earlier in the day, US officials led by Ambassador Baker met Mohsin Naqvi, where detailed discussions were held on arrangements for the negotiations. The US envoy appreciated Pakistan’s “sincere” and constructive diplomatic role amid recent regional tensions.
During the meeting, Mohsin Naqvi informed Ambassador Natalie Baker that a comprehensive security plan had been put in place to ensure “foolproof arrangements in every respect” for all foreign guests. He said US Vice President JD Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner would be treated as special guests during the high-level engagement in Islamabad.
The meeting also reviewed overall security and logistical arrangements for the visiting delegations expected in the federal capital.
Meanwhile, authorities have imposed extraordinary security and traffic measures across Islamabad due to the arrival of foreign delegations, resulting in road diversions and partial closures.
The Islamabad Traffic Police said a special traffic plan has been enforced, while heavy traffic has been banned from entering the city for today and tomorrow.
Under the plan, the Expressway from Zero Point to Korral Chowk will remain closed in both directions, and diversions have been set up on the Islamabad Express Highway due to delegation movements.
Commuters travelling from Peshawar to Rawalpindi via GT Road have been advised to use alternative routes including the Taxila Motorway, Chakri, Chak Beli Road, and Rawat. Similarly, travellers from Lahore to Peshawar are being directed to use Rawat, Chak Beli Road, and the Taxila Motorway.
Traffic police have also advised commuters travelling from Margalla Road to Rawalpindi to use Ninth Avenue, while traffic from Faisal Avenue towards Zero Point will be diverted through the same route.
For those travelling from Bhara Kahu to Rawalpindi, alternative routes include Korang Road, Bani Gala, and Lehtrar Road. Meanwhile, commuters coming from Rawalpindi to Islamabad have been directed to use Murree Road via Ninth Avenue.
In addition, traffic moving from Peshawar to Lahore has been advised to take the Taxila Motorway and proceed via Tarnol Phatak to the Fateh Jang Motorway.
In a related development, authorities have postponed examinations at government schools located near the Red Zone due to heightened security arrangements.
According to official notifications, exams scheduled at two centres at IMCB G-6/4 Islamabad and the examination centre at the Prime Minister’s Staff Colony in G-5 have been deferred.
A police spokesperson said personnel from the Islamabad Traffic Police are deployed across key roads to assist the public, urging citizens to plan extra travel time, remain patient, and cooperate with officials during the movement of foreign delegations.
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