Traffic restrictions around Islamabad's Red Zone, Serena Hotel lifted: Ishaq Dar

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 vehicles carrying petroleum products, food items and medicines.

Reports from the ground on Sunday said several areas in Rawalpindi and Islamabad had reopened. However, residential and commercial areas around Nur Khan Airbase were reported to have remained closed.

The Metro Bus Service between Rawalpindi and Islamabad also resumed operations; however, its route was limited from Saddar to the Shaheed-i-Millat bus stop.

Electric buses in the twin cities were also plying on their routes on Sunday.

“We started running the metro bus service between Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Sunday morning and electric buses on different routes,” Punjab Mass Transit Authority Operations Manager Wajid Saleem told Dawn.

Meanwhile, streets, link roads, markets and banks around the old airport in Rawalpindi remained closed, causing inconvenience for the residents of Shah Faisal Colony, Khalid Colony, Gulzar-i-Quaid, Fazal Town and other areas.

Imtiaz Ahmed, a resident of Faisal Colony, said localities around Nur Khan Airbase were still closed and there was a shortage of water and food items in his area. “I got drinking water from nearby localities, while there is a dire need for water tankers, as there is no water supply from the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa). Wasa is charging monthly bills but fails to supply water to the colony,” he said.

Mohammad Umer, a resident of Gulzar-i-Quaid, said, “Saturday and Sunday were weekly shopping days for families … but they could not go out because of the blockades.”

A senior official of the district administration told Dawn that areas that were still closed were likely to reopen by Monday.