Public Holidays Declared in Islamabad and Rawalpindi as SCO Meeting Approaches

Traders and business owners in Rawalpindi have closed their shops for three days in response to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting being held in Islamabad, the federal capital.

The Markazi Anjuman-e-Tajiran announced the three-day shutdown to facilitate security arrangements for the event, which will welcome various foreign dignitaries.

The business community expressed its support for the visiting dignitaries and assured local authorities of their full cooperation in maintaining security.

During a meeting at Newtown Police Station, Shahid Ghafoor Piracha, president of the Markazi Anjuman-e-Tajiran, along with General Secretary Raja Tauheed and other trade officials, pledged their complete support to the local administration.

The meeting, attended by senior police officials including Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Hamdani, the SSP operations, and the Rawal Division SP, focused on security measures for the SCO summit.

The representatives of the traders agreed to keep all businesses closed throughout the duration of the SCO summit to enhance security. The CPO thanked the association for their cooperation, emphasizing that all preparations for the event are in place, with robust security measures to ensure the safety of both local and foreign participants.

As the SCO summit approaches, local authorities have heightened security measures and issued notices to traders throughout the capital. The police have mandated the closure of marriage halls, cafés, restaurants, and snooker clubs from October 12 to 16 to maintain order during this significant event.

This decision aims to bolster security and reduce public movement in sensitive areas. Notices have been delivered to traders by the station house officers (SHOs) of various police stations, with the police warning that non-compliance will result in action against businesses.

To ensure adherence, the police have also requested shorty bonds from traders as a commitment to follow the orders. Those who do not comply may face legal repercussions.

In connection with the 23rd SCO meeting scheduled in the capital, the government has declared three public holidays in Islamabad and Rawalpindi from October 14 to 16.

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