Islamabad is gearing up for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit by implementing enhanced security measures. Authorities have issued notices to traders, ordering the closure of marriage halls, cafés, restaurants, and snooker clubs from October 12 to 16. The goal is to minimize public movement in sensitive areas, ensuring smooth proceedings for this high-profile international event.
The police are also requiring traders to provide surety bonds as a commitment to comply with these directives, with penalties and potential legal actions for non-compliance. To further support these efforts, the Pakistan Army has been deployed in Islamabad for added security.
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In conjunction with the summit, the government has declared three public holidays in Islamabad and Rawalpindi from October 14 to 16, creating a four-day weekend as October 13 falls on a Sunday. The Cabinet Division’s notification, approved by the Prime Minister, highlights the importance of these holidays to facilitate security and ease of operations during the summit.
The Islamabad High Court has also taken steps to prevent illegal gatherings in the capital, particularly during the summit. Chief Justice Aamir Farooq instructed local authorities to designate appropriate areas for protests and ensure public order during this critical event.
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is expected to attend the summit from October 15 to 16. India confirmed on August 30 that Pakistan extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting, which Pakistan is hosting as part of its rotational chairmanship.
