Govt announces three-day holiday in Islamabad and Rawalpindi

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has announced a three-day holiday for Islamabad and Rawalpindi from October 14 to October 16, 2024, in connection with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

A notification issued by the Cabinet Division confirmed the public holidays on October 14, 15, and 16 to facilitate the smooth organization and security of the SCO summit in the capital.

With Saturday and Sunday already being public holidays in Islamabad, residents, employees, school children, and office-goers will effectively enjoy a five-day break.

Earlier, the Ministry of Interior issued a notification for the deployment of the army from October 5 to 17 as part of security for the SCO summit in Islamabad.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance that was founded in 2001 in Shanghai. It originally consisted of six member states: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Since then, the SCO has expanded to include India and Pakistan as full members, with several other countries participating as observers or dialogue partners.

Also read: Govt orders army deployment for SCO summit security in Islamabad

The SCO serves as a platform for regional cooperation on security matters, including counterterrorism, drug trafficking, and extremism, while also addressing economic and cultural collaboration. The organization has increasingly positioned itself as a key counterbalance to Western-led institutions in Asia.

Pakistan, as a full member since 2017, plays an active role in the SCO, contributing to discussions on regional security, economic integration, and strategic cooperation.

Hosting the 2024 SCO summit provides Pakistan with an opportunity to highlight its significance in regional diplomacy and foster closer relations with neighboring countries, including China, Russia, and Central Asian states.

The summit in Islamabad is expected to cover important topics such as regional security, economic connectivity through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and fostering multilateral cooperation in the context of evolving global dynamics.