ISLAMABAD (April 27, 2026) — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Sunday that major security barriers around Islamabad’s Red Zone and the Serena Hotel have been removed. The areas had been strictly cordoned off since April 19 in anticipation of high-level, direct negotiations between U.S. and Iranian delegations. Following President Trump’s decision to cancel the in-person visit of his envoys and shift to a remote dialogue format, authorities have moved to restore normalcy. Minister Dar expressed his “heartfelt thanks” to the residents of the twin cities for their patience during the week-long lockdown, which was essential for the “safety of our state guests” and Pakistan’s ongoing peace facilitation efforts.
اسلام آباد میں سیرینا ہوٹل اور ریڈ زون کے اطراف ٹریفک پابندیاں آج ختم ہو گیئ ہیں۔ میں اہلِ پاکستان—بالخصوص اسلام آباد اور راولپنڈی کے شہریوں— کے صبر اور تعاون پر دل کی گہرائیوں سے شکریہ ادا کرتا ہوں۔
آپ کی حمایت ہمیں اپنے مہمانوں کی حفاظت کو یقینی بنانے اور خطے میں امن کے لیے…
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) April 26, 2026
Highlights
- Traffic restrictions around the Serena Hotel and Red Zone have been fully lifted.
- Metro Bus and electric bus services have resumed operations across the twin cities.
- Direct talks have transitioned to a remote format following the cancellation of the U.S. delegation’s trip.
- DPM Ishaq Dar personally thanked citizens for their cooperation during the security-intensive week.
- Authorities indicate that areas around Nur Khan Airbase and certain link roads may remain restricted until Monday.
اسلام آباد میں ریڈ زون کے اطراف ٹریفک پابندیاں ختم ہو گئی ہیں، نائب وزیراعظم@MIshaqDar50@ForeignOfficePk#RadioPakistan #News https://t.co/epNoRz8xwT pic.twitter.com/jvAcmeBORO
— ریڈیوپاکستان (@PBCofficialNews) April 26, 2026
The Road Back to Normalcy
While the city center has largely reopened, the transition remains gradual:
Metro Bus Service: Currently running on a limited route from Saddar to Shaheed-i-Millat, with a full return to the Secretariat station expected shortly.
Rawalpindi Congestion: Localities surrounding the old airport, including Gulzar-i-Quaid and Fazal Town, reported continued barricades on Sunday, leading to localized water and food supply challenges.
Heavy Transport: The ban on heavy vehicles has been relaxed for those carrying essential items like medicine, food, and fuel.
The Diplomatic Context
The lifting of the “Steel Ring” around the Red Zone follows a whirlwind 72 hours of diplomacy. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departed for Moscow on Sunday after delivering Tehran’s written response to U.S. proposals. President Trump, citing the efficiency of remote communication, noted that Islamabad remains a “trusted friend” and will continue to mediate the exchange of “secure line” communications.
Local administration officials expect all remaining link roads and commercial areas to be fully accessible by Monday morning, bringing an end to one of the most significant security operations in the capital’s recent history.
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