Pakistan Grants Visa on Arrival for Delegates Ahead of Key US-Iran Talks

COLOMBO (News 1st); Pakistan has opened its doors to international delegations and journalists ahead of make‑or‑break talks between the United States and Iran, as Islamabad prepares to host negotiations that could shape the future of the Middle East and have far‑reaching implications for the global economy.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced that all delegates, including journalists from participating nations traveling in connection with the Islamabad Talks 2026, will be allowed to board flights to Pakistan without a visa.

He said Pakistan’s immigration authorities will issue visas on arrival, facilitating the movement of attendees for the high‑profile diplomatic engagement.

The talks come at a critical moment. The lives of millions of people across the Middle East, as well as the stability of the global economy, are seen as hinging on the outcome of negotiations scheduled to begin Saturday morning local time in Islamabad, according to the White House.

CNN reported that the discussions will mark the first direct talks between the US and Iran since the beginning of the war.

Security in the Pakistani capital has been significantly tightened. The streets of Islamabad were emptied following the declaration of a sudden two‑day public holiday, imposed to ensure strict security for the arrival of the American and Iranian delegations.

A fragile two‑week ceasefire that paved the way for the talks is holding for now, but uncertainty remains.

Observers warn that Israel’s massive and deadly bombardment of Hezbollah, along with disagreements over whether Lebanon is included in the ceasefire, could still derail the negotiations.

The question of Lebanon’s inclusion remains a major point of contention. Iran has repeatedly stated that the ceasefire covers attacks against its Lebanon‑based proxy Hezbollah, a position echoed by Pakistan, which helped broker the truce. However, Israel and the United States have maintained that the ceasefire does not include Lebanon, raising the risk of further escalation.

The US delegation will be led by Vice President JD Vance, alongside special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the son‑in‑law of President Donald Trump.

Tehran has not formally announced its delegation, but local media reports suggest the Iranian team may be led by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of Iran’s Parliament.

With tensions still simmering and disagreements unresolved, the Islamabad talks are being closely watched by governments and markets alike, as a potential turning point in a conflict with consequences extending well beyond the region.