Three-Day Public Holidays Announced in Islamabad and Rawalpindi

A crucial news for the residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi city! Three days public holidays announced in Islamabad and Rawalpindi due to the SCO meeting 2024. This decision comes in light of the upcoming 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting, which will be held in Islamabad. The federal government has announced 3 days of public holidays in Islamabad and Rawalpindi from 14^th October to 16 October 2024. The holidays are aimed at facilitating smooth operations and security arrangements during this high-profile event.

Government and Educational Institutes to Remain Closed

During these 23^rd SCO meeting holidays, all government and private educational institutions, as well as government offices, in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi will remain closed. This move, approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, ensures minimal disruptions during the two-day summit. The meeting will see participation from global leaders, including prime ministers of Russia and China, as well as India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

Security Measures for the SCO Summit

To ensure security during the SCO summit 2024, the federal government has deployed the army in Islamabad under Article 245. The deployment will be effective from 5^th October to 17^th October 2024, ensuring comprehensive security for the international delegates and leaders attending the CHG meeting. While the meeting would take place from 14^th October to 16 October 2024. The military and law enforcement will be on high alert throughout the event.

Indian Foreign Minister to Visit Pakistan After 9 Years

One notable attendee is Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, marking the first visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in almost nine years. The last visit was made by Sushma Swaraj in December 2015, which was followed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's brief visit to Lahore. This visit is seen as a significant development in the region's diplomatic relations.

What is SCO?

The SCO stands for Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a crucial political, economic, and security alliance, was founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Since then, it has expanded to include India, Pakistan and Iran as full members. Afghanistan, Belarus, and Mongolia hold observer status. The organization is often viewed as a counterbalance to Western alliances like NATO, focusing on promoting regional cooperation.

Pakistan’s Role in the SCO 23^rd Summit

Pakistan, as the host nation, has extended invitations to the heads of government from all SCO member states, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch highlighted that the summit would include several ministerial and senior official meetings to discuss cooperation in finance, economics, socio-cultural matters, and humanitarian efforts among member states. The SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting is expected to strengthen regional ties and promote collaboration on critical issues facing the member nations.