Security Measures in Full Swing: Islamabad and Rawalpindi Under Lockdown for SCO Summit Amid Rising Tensions!

This decision comes with a flurry of restrictions, including school and college closures, and a ban on weddings, all aimed at ensuring the safety of foreign dignitaries attending the event.

By Gaurav Santosh Oct 14, 2024, 12:52 IST

In a dramatic move, Pakistan has declared a two-day lockdown in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on October 15 and 16 in preparation for the much-anticipated SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) Summit. This decision comes with a flurry of restrictions, including school and college closures, and a ban on weddings, all aimed at ensuring the safety of foreign dignitaries attending the event.

The summit is set to welcome prominent leaders, including India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and China’s Premier Li Qiang, which has prompted the government to bolster security measures significantly. With fears of unrest due to recent attacks and political protests linked to Imran Khan’s party, the authorities are leaving no stone unturned.

Approximately 10,000 soldiers and commandos from the Pakistan Army have been deployed throughout the two cities. Reports indicate that local police and security forces are now directly taking orders from the military to maintain law and order.

From October 12 to 16, wedding halls, cafes, restaurants, and snooker clubs in Islamabad and Rawalpindi will be closed. Business owners and hotel operators have been warned that failure to comply with these orders could lead to legal repercussions.

As the days leading up to the summit progress, a public holiday has been announced for October 14 and 16 in both cities. Concerns about potential clashes between protestors from Khan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf party and military forces are palpable, adding to the tense atmosphere.

The 23rd meeting of the heads of government of SCO member nations will be held in Islamabad, making it a critical event on the diplomatic calendar. With foreign delegations beginning to arrive, including a 76-member Russian delegation and representatives from seven SCO countries, the stage is set for high-stakes discussions.

Additionally, reports confirm that an official four-member delegation from India has also arrived in Pakistan, alongside delegations from China and Kyrgyzstan. As these significant diplomatic engagements unfold, the world watches closely, eager to see how the situation will develop in the coming days.