Pakistan Prepares for Second US-Iran Talks, Tightens Security

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[Financial News] As a second round of ceasefire talks between the United States of America (US) and Iran is reportedly imminent, Pakistan, the mediator in the negotiations, is making thorough preparations, including plans to escort the Iranian delegation.
According to Pakistani media outlets including The Express Tribune and DAWN on the 18th local time, Pakistan's Minister for Law and Justice Aqeel Malik said late the previous night that the government had completed preparations for the second round of talks, including security measures.
Malik said that, as in the first round held on April 11-12 in Islamabad, Pakistan would ensure full safety this time as well through even stronger security measures.
On the timing of the talks, he said, "I cannot say the exact date or time, but next week is expected to be a very important week for Pakistan, especially Islamabad."
In this regard, officials from the executive branch of the United States federal government under Donald Trump and Iranian authorities had each indicated that talks between the two countries were likely to be held in Pakistan on the 20th.
The US and Iran have been holding ceasefire negotiations with a deadline set for April 21 Eastern Time in the US, or April 22 in Iran, after accepting Pakistan's proposed two-week truce on the 7th.
Malik said, "I think there will be no negotiations at the next round of talks," adding, "It will be a stage to announce that everything has been finalized and that they are ready to sign the agreement."
He added that if such an agreement is reached, it would be a very important event for Pakistan and for the world.
mkchang@fnnews.com Jang Min-kwon Reporter