Pakistan Shutdown News: Colleges, schools, markets to remain shut, public holiday in Islamabad; Know what’s open, what’s closed

From October 12 to 16, wedding halls, cafes, restaurants, and snooker clubs were ordered to close in both Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Written by: Victor Dasgupta Edited by: Victor Dasgupta

Updated: October 15, 2024, 11:26 AM IST

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https://www.india.com/news/world/lockdown-in-pakistan-colleges-schools-markets-to-remain-shut-know-whats-open-whats-closed-shahbaz-sharif-sco-summit-7322093/ Copy

Lockdown in Pakistan

Islamabad: The Shahbaz Sharif-led Pakistan government has tightened security as the country hosts the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. The mega summit will start today. Owing to the event, the government has beefed up the security across the country, deploying thousands of personnel. The government has also declared a three-day holiday in Islamabad to ensure the safety of attending delegates.

As Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presides over the meeting, joined by key delegates from India, China, Russia, and other members, the Pakistan government aims to project an image of stability and readiness to host such a significant international event.  A ban has been imposed on all protests and rallies in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and surrounding areas, aiming to prevent any disruption during the summit.

What’s Open, What’s Closed

• Around 10,000 soldiers and commandos from the Pakistan Army have been deployed in Islamabad and Rawalpindi
• According to the reports, the local police and other security forces will now take orders directly from the military.
• From October 12 to 16, wedding halls, cafes, restaurants, and snooker clubs were ordered to close in both cities.
• The government has issued a strain warning. The traders and hotel owners have been warned of legal consequences if they do not comply.
• Business owners will have to fill bail bonds ensuring that no outsiders are staying in their establishments.
• Public holidays have been declared in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on October 14 and 16.

It is important to note that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, is planning a protest on October 15. The government of Pakistan has issued a warning against a planned protest which is coinciding with the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.