Islamabad: Pakistan’s capital was under tight security on Sunday, with major roads sealed, public transport in the twin cities suspended and two luxury hotels saying they have been requisitioned by the government amid expectations of a possible new round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad.
Neither the US nor Iran have offered any specifics about the state of negotiations between them on Saturday or when the next round of talks is likely to be held, days before a fragile ceasefire between both sides is set to expire.
US President Donald Trump said on Thursday he “might” travel to Islamabad if a peace deal with Iran is signed there, while the White House has said the second round of talks would most likely be held in the Pakistani capital.
While no side has yet announced a date for the next round of peace talks, Pakistani media reports have said that negotiations are likely to be held in Islamabad within the next couple of days.
“We regret to inform you that the hotel has been requisitioned by the government due to the US and Iran peace talk,” the Serena Hotel, where the first round of talks was held earlier this month, said in a message circulated among guests.
The Serena Hotel, where peace talks between U.S. and Iranian officials ended without an agreement to halt their war, in Islamabad, Pakistan, April 13, 2026. (Reuters/File)
“As a result, we are unable to accommodate your booking from 19th till 23rd April, 2026. Please consider subject reservations as canceled.”
The hotel issued a separate notice to guests regarding the deployment of law enforcement personnel around its premises, asking them to vacate the parking area in the basement.
“The world peace dialogue is a mega event and till Thursday, there will be no provision of basement parking as well as surface parking,” the hotel said.
Police personnel stand guard as they inspect vehicles at a checkpost beside a large screen displaying Pakistan's Army Chief and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at the Red Zone area in Islamabad on April 18, 2026. (AFP)
The Marriott Hotel also told guests that the government has requisitioned the hotel for “an important event” effective by 3:00 p.m. Sunday, asking guests to check out by that time.
“While we understand the challenges, our front office and sales team will be happy to facilitate you in arranging an alternate room in the city if you wish,” the hotel said in a message seen by Arab News.
“Once again, we regret the inconvenience you must encounter because of this important event.”
Pakistan’s foreign office did not respond to queries about the schedule of the possible talks nor regarding the details of the delegations expected to visit.
Commuters pass through traffic near a security checkpoint along a street leading to the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad on April 18, 2026. (AFP)
PUBLIC TRANSPORT SUSPENDED
The Faizabad long-distance bus terminal, a major transport hub between the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, has been temporarily closed since 11:00 p.m. on Saturday and is expected to remain suspended until April 26, international news agency Reuters reported.
In a separate message, Islamabad’s district administration said it was suspending heavy and public transport in the city until further notice.
“Citizens are requested to cooperate with security agencies,” the district administration said.
Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi deputy commissioner said in a message that all private, public, and goods transport were suspended from operating till further notice.
A police personnel walks past posters highlighting Pakistan's mediation of Iran–US peace talks, at the Red Zone area in Islamabad on April 18, 2026. (AFP)
An official with direct knowledge of the security arrangements told Arab News that Islamabad’s key arteries have been blocked due to the arrival of foreign delegations.
“Since foreign guests are arriving, areas around the routes have been closed,” the official told Arab News on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to the media.
US Vice President JD Vance led the US team in the first round of talks with Iran on Apr. 11. Prior to their arrival, the Iranian delegation, led by parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, reached Pakistan the same day.
The two sides had intensive talks for over 20 hours and reached no agreement.
A Pakistani foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday that the country is maintaining communication channels between the US and Iran as part of its efforts to facilitate dialogue, adding that no dates have been finalized for the next round of talks between the two sides, and consultations are ongoing for a mutually agreed schedule.
