Evacuations Start At Marriott, Serena Hotels for Next Round of US-Iran Talks

Security preparations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have intensified ahead of expected high-level talks next week as evacuation and clearance activity have begun at Marriott and Serena today.

Security agencies are closely monitoring movement in and around these locations. Security personnel have also been deployed on rooftops along sensitive areas.

Authorities are maintaining arrangements despite mixed signals from Iran, similar to the situation observed ahead of the earlier round of discussions.  Residents along the route from Nur Khan Airbase to Serena Hotel have been instructed not to record videos of official convoys.

Foreign delegations are arriving in Islamabad ahead of upcoming high-level meetings amid the ongoing security and traffic arrangements across the federal capital.

The Red Zone and Extended Red Zone will remain completely closed to all types of traffic during the visit. The Islamabad Expressway from Koral Interchange to Zero Point will also remain shut, while traffic movement on Srinagar Highway may be suspended at different intervals due to security requirements.

Entry of heavy traffic into Islamabad from all highways and directions has been banned for the duration of the arrangements. Heavy vehicle owners have been advised to avoid travelling towards Islamabad to prevent inconvenience.

An alternative traffic plan has been issued for residents. Citizens living in G-5, G-6, G-7, F-6 and F-7 sectors have been advised to use 9th Avenue via Margalla Road to travel towards Rawalpindi. Traffic moving from Faisal Avenue towards Zero Point will be diverted to 9th Avenue.

In case Koral Chowk is closed from Zero Point, commuters may reach Koral through Srinagar Highway, Stadium Road, Murree Road, Chandni Chowk and Rawal Road via 9th Avenue. If Club Road is closed from Park Road, traffic will be redirected towards Taramri Chowk.

In Rawalpindi, more than 10,000 police personnel have been deployed, with over 600 checkpoints established across the city’s entry and exit points. Additional forces have been stationed on major highways.

The security plan includes 400 elite commandos, around 100 sharpshooters, 4,000 personnel of the Punjab Highway Patrol, and 200 Dolphin Force officials to ensure layered protection.

Deployment began at midnight on April 18, as foreign delegations are expected to land at Nur Khan Airbase before travelling to Islamabad. The operation has been divided into shifts, with thousands of officers assigned around the clock.

Sharpshooters placed on rooftops are coordinating with ground teams via wireless communication. Special Branch units are conducting search, sweep, and combing operations in multiple areas.

Key routes, including from Chohan Chowk to Koral Chowk, have been closed, while alternative traffic routes have been issued for citizens. Safe City cameras are being used for continuous monitoring from control rooms.