ISLAMABAD – PIPS Security Conference 2026 has been cancelled after visas for several foreign delegates were reportedly revoked and Hotel cancelled all event bookings, citing security concerns.
Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) was holding its annual event Dialogue Pakistan, but analyst Amir Rana, who is also moderator of this event, shared the development, saying PIPS conference was supposed to be a gathering of experts, researchers and international voices where Pakistan’s security challenges could be discussed openly, and where different perspectives could meet around the same table.
Instead, the journey ended before the dialogue could even begin. Pakistan Security Dialogue, planned by the Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), has been cancelled after visas for most of the foreign delegates were reportedly cancelled. Among those affected were participants from China. The Serena Hotel has also cancelled all bookings linked to the event, citing security reasons.
So far, no written explanation has reportedly been provided for the cancellation of the visas or the conference.
PIPS is an independent, not-for-profit research and advocacy think tank that focuses extensively on conflict, terrorism, peace and security in Pakistan and the wider region. Its work is based on field research, policy analysis and security reporting.
The conference was meant to continue that mission, bringing Pakistani and international experts together to examine some of the most difficult security questions facing the region.
First came the cancellation of visas for several foreign participants, then came the cancellation of the hotel bookings. and finally, the conference itself was called off.
Islamabad Red Zone faces Complete Lockdown as PTI March nears
The timing also comes as Islamabad remains under heightened security, with increased checks and security measures reported around sensitive installations, diplomatic missions and key entry points in the capital ahead of PTI September 27 March.
For a country confronting terrorism, regional tensions and an increasingly complicated security environment, informed debates are part of understanding the problems themselves.
PIPS has spent years documenting and analysing Pakistan’s conflict and security landscape. Its own work describes its mission around research, analysis and policy advocacy for peace and stability.
Sources however, cited security concerns as government has legitimate responsibilities to protect people and sensitive locations. But when an international conference dedicated to security and peace is cancelled, the public deserves clarity about what happened and why.
Islamabad authorities have decided to seal the extended Red Zone ahead of a planned long march, blocking all five connecting routes with containers and deploying additional police personnel. The area will remain closed except in emergencies.
Islamabad Police have also suspended all leave, except emergency leave, until October 5, 2026, directing officers currently on leave to return to duty immediately.
