Pakistan Lifts Restrictions Around Islamabad’s Serena Hotel As US-Iran Talks Fail To Take Off

Last Updated:April 27, 2026, 07:41 IST

Traffic curbs around Islamabad’s Red Zone and Serena Hotel lifted after days of lockdown, even as a second round of US-Iran talks has yet to materialise.

Pakistan has lifted traffic and security restrictions around the Serena Hotel and the high-security Red Zone in Islamabad, bringing an end to days of controlled access in the capital.

The restrictions had been imposed as Islamabad prepared to host a fresh round of high-stakes talks between the United States and Iran, with Pakistan playing a mediating role in efforts to revive negotiations linked to the ongoing regional conflict.

Confirming the development, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the restrictions would end today, restoring normal movement in the affected areas.

“I extend my heartfelt thanks to the people of Pakistan, especially the residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, for their patience and cooperation," Dar said in a statement.

The minister emphasised that public support had been crucial in maintaining security arrangements during the period of heightened restrictions. “Your support enables us to ensure the safety of our guests and to continue our efforts for peace in the region," he added.

Dar also said the government remains committed to its broader diplomatic and security objectives. “We remain committed to these goals and are grateful for, and in need of, your continued prayers and well wishes," he said.

The Serena Hotel and the Red Zone—home to key government buildings, embassies and diplomatic missions—had seen tightened security and traffic curbs for over a week as authorities prepared for the expected arrival of foreign delegations.

This was the second lockdown in two weeks. Islamabad was first sealed off on April 11 for the first round of talks that ended without a deal between Washington and Tehran. The city briefly reopened before being shut again in anticipation of a second meeting that has yet to materialise.

With restrictions now lifted and no immediate talks scheduled, normalcy is expected to return to central Islamabad.

Peace Talks Uncertain

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Iran can reach out to the United States if it wants to negotiate an end to the war between the two countries. “If they want to talk, they can come to us, or they can call us. You know, there is a telephone. We have nice, secure lines," Trump said in an interview on Fox News’ “The Sunday Briefing."

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi returned to Pakistan on Sunday after a brief visit to Oman, having just left Islamabad the day before. Sources told CNN-News18 that Araghchi brought a fresh message from Tehran, in response to the stalled peace talks with the United States.

News world Pakistan Lifts Restrictions Around Islamabad’s Serena Hotel As US-Iran Talks Fail To Take Off

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