The centre of Islamabad was placed under a complete lockdown on Friday following a hastily announced public holiday, as authorities established a 3-km (2-mile) security perimeter around a luxury hotel where all guests were ordered to vacate to accommodate visiting delegations.

Officials declined to specify the exact timing of the Iranian delegation’s arrival, which is expected to be led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf.

A source involved in the talks said the Pakistani air force would escort the aircraft carrying the Iranian officials.

A US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance is expected to arrive in time for the start of talks scheduled for Saturday.