Three-day public holiday declared in Islamabad and Rawalpindi for SCO Summit

Islamabad and Rawalpindi will observe a three-day public holiday from October 14 to 16 in anticipation of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting, scheduled for October 15 and 16.

The announcement by the Cabinet Division aims to ensure the smooth conduct of this significant event.

This summit is set to be a landmark occasion, with key foreign leaders—including India’s Minister of External Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar—attending. Jaishankar’s visit marks the first by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly a decade, highlighting the diplomatic importance of this meeting.

To bolster security during the summit, the federal government has activated a comprehensive security plan, deploying Pakistan Army troops under Article 245 of the Constitution from October 15 to 17. This measure underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining safety and order during the high-profile event.

The SCO, which includes member states such as India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, serves as a crucial platform for regional cooperation and security. The upcoming summit will facilitate discussions on various critical issues, including finance, economics, socio-cultural matters, and humanitarian efforts among member states.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the importance of this meeting, which aims to enhance collaboration within the Eurasian region. Invitations have been extended to the heads of government from all SCO member states, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

As the twin cities prepare for this significant gathering, all educational institutions and government offices will remain closed, allowing residents to focus on the events of the SCO summit.