The administration has announced a five-day holiday for district courts in Islamabad and Rawalpindi from October 12 to 16 due to the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in the federal capital. Pakistan will host the two-day SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting on October 15 and 16, with leaders from member countries attending the event.
The SCO is a prominent economic and security organization that includes China, India, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It has emerged as one of the largest trans-regional international organizations, playing a significant role in fostering cooperation in the region.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently reviewed and expressed satisfaction with the preparations for the SCO summit. To ensure enhanced security throughout the event, the administration has mandated the closure of public venues, such as wedding halls, cafes, restaurants, and snooker clubs, for five days. Additionally, a three-day holiday has been declared for both the Supreme Court and district courts, covering October 14 to 16.
Following this directive, the district courts in Rawalpindi will also be closed on October 14, 15, and 16. This decision was formalized through a notification approved by Lahore High Court Chief Justice Aliya Neelum, which cited the SCO summit as the reason for the temporary closures.
The federal government has also announced a “closed holiday” period spanning three days, from October 14 to 16, for both Islamabad and Rawalpindi. This measure is part of broader efforts to strengthen security protocols in the twin cities and ensure a secure environment during the high-profile event.
These enhanced security measures highlight Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining safety and order as the nation hosts leaders from across the region. The decision to restrict public gatherings and close various facilities underscores the importance of the summit and the need for a peaceful and controlled environment during its proceedings.
