ISLAMABAD – In light of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, the Islamabad administration has announced the closure of all educational institutions for five days, from October 12 to 16, 2024. However, O/A Level examinations have been granted permission to proceed as scheduled.
According to Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz, three examination centers in Islamabad—E-11, Noor Mahal GT Road, and H-8—will remain open to conduct O/A Level exams. All other educational institutions will remain closed during the summit.
In addition to educational institutions, strict measures have been enforced in Rawalpindi. All cash-and-carry marts, restaurants, wedding halls, and snooker clubs will remain shut from October 12 to 16. Local police station heads (SHOs) have obtained written surety bonds from the owners to ensure compliance with the directive.
The summit will also impact the courts, as no prisoners will be presented before the courts from Adiala Jail during the five-day period. Many key hearings have been rescheduled for after October 16.
Security arrangements have been intensified, with commandos and sniper shooters deployed on rooftops of multi-story buildings across the city. Moreover, pigeon flying and kite flying have been strictly prohibited within a three-kilometer radius of Noor Khan Chaklala Airbase, with nets and pigeon lofts being dismantled to enforce the ban.
These measures are part of the heightened security preparations surrounding the SCO summit to ensure the safety and smooth functioning of the event.
