Pakistan declares two-day holiday as US, Iran head to Islamabad for talks

money control - An Iranian delegation is set to arrive in Islamabad on Thursday night ahead of talks with the United States, Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, said. The visit comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East following weeks of conflict.

"Despite skepticism of Iranian public opinion due to repeated ceasefire violations by Israeli regime to sabotage the diplomatic initiative, invited by Hon. PM Shehbaz Sharif, Iranian delegation arrives tonight in Islamabad for serious talks based on 10 points proposed by Iran," Moghadam said in a post on X.

Ahead of the high-level engagement, Pakistan has announced two days of local holidays in the Islamabad Capital Territory. While the official notification did not specify a reason, such measures are typically linked to security arrangements for major diplomatic events. Essential services, including police, hospitals, and utilities, will remain operational.

The talks are expected to involve senior US and Iranian representatives, with the White House confirming that Vice President JD Vance will lead the American delegation in Islamabad later this week.

The development comes amid reports that the Trump administration was aware of a social media post by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding ceasefire efforts before it was made public. According to The New York Times, the post, which signalled progress in diplomatic negotiations, had been cleared by the White House, indicating intense backchannel coordination as efforts to secure a ceasefire accelerated ahead of a key deadline.

Sharif had said in the post that diplomatic efforts for a peaceful resolution were “progressing steadily, strongly and powerfully,” tagging US President Donald Trump and senior officials, underscoring Pakistan’s role as a key intermediary in the ongoing negotiations.