Pak under lockdown – schools colleges shut, marriages banned

Pak under lockdown – schools colleges shut, marriages banned

Ahead of the summit, on October 15 and 16, and with several key leaders, including the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Chinese Premier Li Qiang to attend

It will be like a lockdown situation in Pakistan for two days when wedding halls, cafes, restaurants, and snooker clubs will remain closed in both cities.

The Pak government has deployed army for security amidst the upcoming SCO summit in Islamabad, showing a lack of confidence in the local police and Rangers.

Due to recent terrorist attacks and political protests by Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan’s government has opted for military control over security in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

According to reports, around 10,000 soldiers and commandos from the Pakistan Army have been deployed in these areas. Local police and other security forces will now take orders directly from the military.

Traders and hotel owners have been warned of legal consequences if they do not comply. Business owners are also required to fill bail bonds ensuring that no outsiders are staying in their establishments.

To further strengthen security, public holidays have been declared in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on October 14 and 16. Despite these measures, Imran Khan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf party plans to hold protests, raising concerns of potential clashes between demonstrators and the military.

The SCO summit is a significant event for the region, bringing together leaders from countries including India, China, Russia, and several Central Asian nations. Pakistan has taken extra precautions to ensure the safety of this international gathering, handing over security control to the army to mitigate risks.

News Edit KV Raman