Here is the important announcement for Islamabad and Rawalpindi residents! A three-day public holiday has been declared in Islamabad and Rawalpindi due to the 2024 SCO meeting. This decision is in anticipation of the forthcoming 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting, set to take place in Islamabad. The federal government has declared a public holiday in Islamabad and Rawalpindi from 14th to 16th October 2024. These holidays aim to ensure seamless operations and security measures during this significant event.

Closure of Government and Educational Institutions

During the 23rd SCO conference holidays, all educational institutes, both public and private, along with government offices in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, will be shut. This decision, sanctioned by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is aimed at minimizing disturbances during the two-day summit. The conference will witness the presence of global leaders, including the prime ministers of Russia and China, as well as India’s Minister of External Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

Security Preparations For The SCO Summit

To guarantee safety during the 2024 SCO summit, the national government has stationed the army in Islamabad under Article 245. This deployment will be effective from October 5th to October 17th, 2024, providing thorough security for the international delegates and leaders at the CHG meeting. The meeting is scheduled from October 14th to October 16th, 2024. The military and law enforcement will maintain a heightened state of alert throughout the event.

Indian External Affairs Minister Set for Pakistan Trip After Nearly a Decade

The Indian External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, is set to visit Pakistan, marking the first trip by an Indian foreign minister to the country in close to nine years. The previous visit was undertaken by Sushma Swaraj in December 2015, followed by a brief stopover in Lahore by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This upcoming visit is a significant stride in the region’s diplomatic relations.

Understanding The SCO

The acronym SCO refers to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a vital political, economic, and security alliance established in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Over time, it has grown to incorporate India, Pakistan, and Iran as full members, while Afghanistan, Belarus, and Mongolia have observer status. The organization is often seen as a counterweight to Western alliances such as NATO, focusing on fostering regional cooperation.

Pakistan’s Contribution To The 23rd SCO Summit

Pakistan, being the host country, has invited the leaders of all SCO member countries, including India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Foreign Office’s spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, emphasized that the summit will encompass numerous ministerial and high-level official meetings to deliberate on collaboration among member countries in financial, economic, socio-cultural, and humanitarian areas. The SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting is anticipated to fortify regional relationships and encourage cooperation on crucial issues confronting the member states.