On Saturday, April 11, 2026, Pakistan is set to host crucial US-Iran talks aimed at solidifying a fragile ceasefire and de-escalating tensions in the Middle East.
On Friday, security was beefed up in Islamabad as the capital prepares for high-stakes talks, amid a warning from Iran's leadership that Israeli strikes on Lebanon would render negotiations meaningless.
The talks will be held at the Serena Hotel following a two-week ceasefire announced on April 8 between the two warring nations, with Pakistan acting as a mediator.
IMAGE: A man rides his motorbike past a billboard installed alongside a road in Islamabad. Photograph: Waseem Khan/Reuters
IMAGE: Police officers stand guard on a road leading to the president's house in the background in Islamabad. Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters
IMAGE: A man rides a motorcycle past Pakistani Rangers standing guard and securing the Red Zone area in Islamabad. Photograph: Asim Hafeez/Reuters
IMAGE: Police officers set up a roadblock for security measures near the Serena Hotel in Islamabad. Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters
IMAGE: Police officers stand at a check post on a road leading to the Serena Hotel. Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters
IMAGE: A police bus with riot gear moves along a road leading to the Serena Hotel. Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters
IMAGE: A view of the Serena Hotel in Islamabad. Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters
IMAGE: A roadblock for security measures near the Serena Hotel. Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters
IMAGE: Police officers stop a motorbike while guarding a road leading to the Serena Hotel. Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters
IMAGE: A helicopter flies in Islamabad. Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters
IMAGE: Shipping containers are put up to block a road for security measures at the D Chowk area in Islamabad, near the president's house. Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters
IMAGE: Soldiers arrive at the D Chowk area in Islamabad. Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters
IMAGE: A man rides a motorcycle past President House. Photograph: Waseem Khan/Reuters
IMAGE: A convoy believed to be carrying officials from Saudi Arabia moves along a road in Islamabad. Photograph: Waseem Khan/Reuters
IMAGE: Police officers equipped with riot gear walk at D Chowk area, near President House in Islamabad. Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters
IMAGE: A security personnel with a sniffer dog stands outside the ministry of foreign affairs in Islamabad. Photograph: Asim Hafeez/Reuters
IMAGE: People look towards a television screen as US President Donald Trump along with Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is shown on a local television channel at a barber shop in Islamabad. Photograph: Waseem Khan/Reuters
IMAGE: Army soldiers sit in a truck in Islamabad. Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters
IMAGE: Members of the media report with the President House building in the background. Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters
IMAGE: A man walks past Digital Satellite News Gathering vehicles parked along a road near President House in Islamabad. Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters
IMAGE: An army soldier disperses locals who arrive to visit the Faisal Masjid in Islamabad. Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters
Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff
Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
