ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Ahead of the talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad, the Serena Hotel management has ordered its guests to check out by 5 pm this evening.
In a circular, the top hospitality facility in the federal capital said that the Government of Pakistan has requisitioned our hotel for an important event, effective this evening till Sunday evening.
“We therefore regret that under the Government instructions, you will have to check out by 5 pm this evening,” it wrote. “While understanding the challenges, our Front Office and Sales team will be happy to facilitate you in arranging an alternate room in the city if you so wish.”
🚨🚨#BREAKING: Serena hotel in #Islamabad asks all its guests to vacate/check out today. pic.twitter.com/39p8bpHFpZ
— Asad Ali Toor (@AsadAToor) April 8, 2026
Moreover, the Islamabad Police have banned the entry of heavy traffic into Islamabad starting today, and movement restrictions have tightened.
“Heavy traffic owners should cooperate with the police in this regard,” the police said in a traffic advisory.
Furthermore, the capital city police have also suspended activities related to driving licence issuance on April 9 and 10.
“All facility centres in Islamabad, including the Traffic Office at Faizabad, will suspend activities related to driving licence issuance,” the police.
Earlier today, the Islamabad district administration declared local holidays on April 9 and 10 (Thursday and Friday) across the federal capital for the smooth conduct of the much-anticipated US-Iran peace talks to end the month-long war in the Middle East.
The notification issued by the Deputy Commission of Islamabad stated, “09th & 10th April, 2026 (Thursday & Friday) are hereby declared as Local Holidays within the revenue limits of Islamabad Capital Territory.”
However, it was noted that essential services in Islamabad, including MCI, CDA, ICT Administration, ICT Police, IESCO, SNGPL, and hospitals, will remain operational.
Traffic advisory for Expressway
Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has also issued a traffic advisory, informing citizens about planned diversions on the Islamabad Expressway due to the movement of foreign delegations.
An ITP official told APP on Wednesday that traffic diversions would be placed on the Expressway for the smooth and secure movement of visiting delegations.
He said citizens were advised to plan their travel accordingly and leave with extra time to avoid inconvenience.
The official urged commuters to show patience and cooperate with traffic police during the diversion period.
Traffic diversions placed
In addition, the Islamabad police have said that diversions will be placed on the Srinagar Highway due to the movement of foreign delegations.
Citizens are requested to plan their travel with extra time during this period, the traffic advisory stated.
“Islamabad Traffic Police is present on the roads for the convenience and awareness of the public,” Islamabad Police wrote on X.
ٹریفک ایڈوائزری/ سری نگر ہائی وے
غیر ملکی وفود کی آمدورفت کی وجہ سے سری نگر ہائی وے پر ڈائیورشنز لگائی جائیں گی۔
شہریوں سے گزراش ہے کہ اس دوران اضافی وقت کے ساتھ سفر کریں۔
اسلام آباد ٹریفک پولیس عوام کی سہولت اور آگاہی کے لئے سڑکوں پر موجود ہے۔
شہری اس دوران صبر و تحمل کا…
— Islamabad Police (@ICT_Police) April 8, 2026
It said that security arrangements are extremely tight in the federal capital due to the movement of foreign delegations.
The police have closed the Red Zone and surrounding areas to all kinds of traffic except official vehicles.
Citizens are requested to avoid unnecessary travel to the Red Zone and surrounding areas to prevent any travel difficulties.
“For any information, follow the Traffic Helpline 1915, Islamabad Police’s social media pages, and Islamabad Police’s WhatsApp channel,” police said.
The restrictions are part of broader security arrangements being put in place in the capital ahead of the major diplomatic talks between the US and Iran on April 10, following the recently announced two-week ceasefire.
