Red Zone | Pakistan

RAWALPINDI: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Sunday that traffic restrictions around Islamabad’s Red Zone and Serena Hotel, which was expected to be the venue for the now cancelled US-Iran talks, had been lifted. “Traffic restrictions around the Serena Hotel and the Red Zone in Islamabad have been lifted today. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the people of Pakistan — especially the residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi — for their patience and cooperation. “Your support enables us to ensure the safety of our guests and to continue our efforts for peace in the region. We remain committed to these goals and are grateful for, and in need of, your prayers and wishes,” Dar posted on X. The restrictions were placed on April 19, with Red Zone being closed to the public as the federal capital braced to welcome foreign delegations for expected talks between the US and Iran. Entry of heavy transport had also been suspended in Islamabad, but authorities later relaxed the restriction for vehic...

ISLAMABAD - Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar late night yesterday announced that traffic restrictions imposed around the Serena Hotel and the Red Zone in Islamabad have been lifted.

Tight security arrangements were in place in Islamabad’s Red Zone on Saturday as a high-level Iranian delegation was in town amid intensifying diplomatic activity around the US-Iran conflict. Araghchi arrived in Islamabad late on Friday, carrying Tehran’s formal response to proposals conveyed earlier by the US through Pakistan. The Islamabad police have said that the Red Zone and Extended Red Zone will be “completely closed to all types of traffic” and issued an alternative traffic plan for the public. Dawn takes a look at some of the scenes from key roads in Islamabad, where security personnel stand guard and barricades are placed as part of stringent security. Police personnel keeps watch in the Red Zone area of Islamabad on April 25, 2026. — AFP A security personnel diverts traffic at a closed road in the Red Zone area of Islamabad on April 25, 2026. — AFP An army trooper keeps watch in the Red Zone area of Islamabad on April 25, 2026. — AFP An army trooper stands guard at a closed road in the Red Zone are...

Islamabad’s Red Zone remained sealed to the general public on Wednesday, but other routes in the twin cities, sealed earlier for the security of foreign delegations visiting the capital, were opened to the public, easing some hardship faced by the residents. US Vice President JD Vance and his team had been expected to arrive on Wednesday morning, but the White House abruptly changed plans, with Iran’s negotiating delegation also delaying a decision on attending talks. Major roads have been closed in recent days to facilitate the arrival of foreign delegations and advance teams. Markets were quiet, government officials worked from home, children attended classes online and security forces enforced strict curbs on entering the vast Red Zone. The security in the Red Zone, where government buildings and offices are located, remained high. There was a heavy deployment of law enforcement personnel and the army was patrolling the area. Public entry to the Red Zone has remained sealed since Sunday, with access restri...

The Cabinet Division of Pakistan has directed all federal offices situated in the Red Zone to operate under a work-from-home policy on April 22.

Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) on Friday issued a traffic advisory informing citizens about road closures and diversions around the Red Zone due to security arrangements, stating that Margalla Road would remain open as the only route for entry into the high-security area.

ISLAMABAD - Islamabad administration has completely sealed off the Red Zone, as security has been put on high alert ahead of a planned protest march against US-Israel aggression on Iran.