Every photo on this page is freely licensed, and each is credited under its image. The first group was taken during the April 2026 talks. The second group shows the same forces and the same streets on other occasions, so readers can see what guards the Red Zone. Each caption says which group a photo belongs to. News-agency photos of the 2026 cordon itself are copyrighted and are linked on News Coverage.
The Serena behind its fence. The hotel tower seen from outside the perimeter while the delegations were inside. Hamed Malekpour, Mehr News Agency, CC BY 4.0 — CommonsThe controlled approach. The access road to the media venue, with the shuttle buses used to move accredited reporters. Hamed Malekpour, Mehr News Agency, CC BY 4.0 — CommonsBanners in the Red Zone. A government building dressed for the talks. The twin towers behind appear to be One Constitution Avenue, next to the Serena; we have not confirmed this. Hamed Malekpour, Mehr News Agency, CC BY 4.0 — Commons"Ministry of Interior." The same building from another angle. The lettering on its facade names the ministry that ran the security operation. Hamed Malekpour, Mehr News Agency, CC BY 4.0 — CommonsWhere the press waited. The media centre hall, about half a kilometre from the talks (Journalists Kept Outside). Hamed Malekpour, Mehr News Agency, CC BY 4.0 — CommonsVance in Islamabad. A frame from the White House video of the Vice President's remarks. The White House, public domain — Commons
The forces that guard the Red Zone (other occasions)
Shield line on Constitution Avenue, 2017. Riot police near the Supreme Court, on the same avenue as the Serena, after a court verdict. Nasir Mahmood, VOA, public domain — CommonsRangers, 2016. The paramilitary force that held streets and rooftops during the talks, here on a security deployment in Islamabad. Rizwan Aziz, VOA, public domain — CommonsPolice commando, 2016. An armed police commando on duty in Islamabad. Hundreds of Elite Force commandos were deployed for the planned second round. Rizwan Aziz, VOA, public domain — CommonsMilitary escort, 2013. Pakistani soldiers leading the motorcade of U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter. Glenn Fawcett, U.S. Department of Defense, public domain — FlickrU.S. security at the plane, 2015. Secretary of State John Kerry leaving Islamabad for the Iran nuclear talks, with a U.S. security agent at the stairs. U.S. Department of State, public domain — FlickrCapital police, 2024. An Islamabad Capital Territory Police patrol car. This force ran the road closures and diversions. HuangWending18072009, CC0 — Commons
Jinnah Convention Centre, 2014. The Serena lists this building as the one opposite its entrance. It was the 2026 media centre. Humza Ahmed, CC BY-SA 3.0 — CommonsConstitution Avenue from above, 2015. The whole Red Zone, with One Constitution Avenue and the Serena at the far end. Zacharie Grossen, CC BY-SA 4.0 — CommonsThe six rings. This site's diagram of the layers of security, built from the reporting on Rings of Security.
More photos, including the hotel's interior, Parliament and the Supreme Court, are on Photos — Hotel and Red Zone. If you took a photo of the 2026 cordon and can license it, contact @HolonCitizen.
