Pakistan Announces Three-Day Holiday for SCO Summit

The federal government of Pakistan has announced a three-day public holiday in Islamabad and Rawalpindi from October 14 to 16, 2024, to facilitate the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting. This decision, approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, will close all educational institutions and government offices in the twin cities during this period. The summit is set to take place on October 15 and 16, with leaders from several Eurasian countries, including India and China, attending—a significant event as it marks the first visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly nine years. The SCO, established in 2001, aims to enhance political, economic, and security cooperation among its members, serving as a counterbalance to Western alliances. Authorities are expected to implement heightened security measures leading up to the event, alongside potential traffic disruptions in the region. Residents are advised to plan accordingly to minimize inconvenience during the holidays.