1 / 10As Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, prepares to host high-stakes talks between the United States and Iran, Pakistan has stepped up security and diplomatic efforts amid a fragile ceasefire in West Asia. Here are the key developments: (Image: AP)
2 / 10Islamabad under tight security lockdown: Ahead of the crucial US–Iran talks, authorities have sealed off a 3-km zone around the Serena Hotel, where both delegations are expected to stay, according to Reuters. The hotel has been requisitioned for the talks, and guests have been asked to vacate until Sunday. (Image: Reuters)
3 / 10Two-day public holiday announced: The Islamabad administration has declared local holidays on April 9 and 10 to manage security and logistics, officials said. Essential services will remain operational. (Image: AP)
4 / 10Capital turns into diplomatic hub: Islamabad is hosting high-level talks between the US and Iran on Friday, April 10, positioning Pakistan at the centre of efforts to stabilise the region. (Image: AP)
5 / 10Iran delegation to arrive ahead of talks: Iran will send a 10-member delegation to Islamabad on Thursday, April 9, night, its ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam said, despite scepticism over alleged ceasefire violations. (Image: Reuters)
6 / 10US team led by Vice President JD Vance: Vice President JD Vance will lead the US delegation, the White House said, signalling Washington’s high-level participation. (Image: AP)
7 / 10Talks follow recent ceasefire announcement: The meeting comes days after US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran, brokered with Pakistan’s involvement. (Image: Reuters)
8 / 10Pakistan steps up diplomatic and military coordination: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has engaged with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, reaffirming support for dialogue and peace. At the same time, parallel contacts between Pakistan’s military leadership and Iranian officials are continuing ahead of the talks. (Image: Reuters)
9 / 10Ceasefire under strain amid fresh strikes: The ceasefire faces pressure after fresh Israeli strikes in Lebanon, Reuters reported, raising concerns over the talks’ outcome. (Image: AP)
10 / 10Broader regional truce on agenda: Pakistan is expected to push for extending the ceasefire to Lebanon and Yemen, with multiple countries backing a wider truce, according to officials familiar with the discussions. (Image: AP)
