All eyes on Islamabad as US, Iran delegations arrive for decisive talks
Subdued capital, sweeping security and tightly managed media mark a moment of global consequence
By Ahmad Q.
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (MNTV) — All eyes in the world are on the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, today. But on the ground, the city feels unusually still.
Main avenues are nearly empty. Security personnel stand at intervals across key junctions. Entry into the Red Zone is tightly sealed, and even routine movement has slowed to a trickle. The capital is not buzzing with activity. It is contained, watchful, and waiting.
This quiet comes as high-level delegations from the United States and Iran have arrived for what are widely seen as “make-or-break” talks to stabilize a fragile ceasefire and chart a path forward.
The American delegation is being led by US Vice President JD Vance, accompanied by senior envoys including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
On the Iranian side, the delegation is headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi playing a central negotiating role alongside senior security and diplomatic officials.
Together, they represent the highest-level direct engagement between the two sides in decades, underscoring the stakes of the Islamabad talks.
Across the city, an elaborate system has been put in place to manage both security and global media coverage.
At Islamabad International Airport, visa-on-arrival facilities have been arranged specifically for US and Iranian media personnel. From there, journalists are funnelled to the Mövenpick Hotel at Centaurus Mall, where Axis Hall serves as the central Assembly Point.
Here, a 24-hour Media Facilitation Desk — operational since the evening of April 10 — is issuing mandatory media passes and conducting briefings. These passes must be displayed at all times.
Movement is tightly controlled. Journalists are transported exclusively via official shuttle services to the Jinnah Convention Centre, now functioning as the central Media Facilitation Center.
Restrictions are strict. No private transport is allowed beyond the Assembly Point towards official venues. Only registered journalists can access designated areas. Authorities have also banned drone use across Islamabad and prohibited filming inside the Red Zone.
Security advisories urge media personnel to avoid unnecessary movement and rely solely on official sources — a reminder of the sensitivity of the moment.
For residents, the change is palpable. Markets are quieter. The usual rhythm of the capital has given way to a cautious pause.
Islamabad today is not loud with diplomacy. It is defined by restraint.
Edited By Mushfiq Ahmad
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