The federal government has announced a five-day closure of educational institutions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi due to the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting. This decision has been made to ensure security during the high-profile event, which will see the arrival of heads of state from around the world.
5-Day School Closure in Islamabad
According to the official notification, all public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the twin cities will remain closed from Saturday, October 12 to Wednesday, October 16, 2024. The holiday is aimed at preventing any disruption in light of the tight security arrangements for the foreign dignitaries attending the SCO summit.
The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Islamabad confirmed that the five-day closure will apply to all educational institutions, ensuring a peaceful environment during the high-level international event.
Why Are Schools Closing for 5 Days?
In addition to heightened security measures, the government has declared October 14, 15, and 16 as general public holidays in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. These holidays are part of a broader strategy to avoid any unforeseen incidents while heads of state from various countries are in the capital for the summit.
The Red Zone area, home to several key government buildings, will also be under strict lockdown, contributing to the extensive security arrangements. The Supreme Court of Pakistan will observe a three-day holiday during the conference as well.
Key Points on Islamabad Schools Holidays:
- Schools closed from October 12 to 16, 2024
- Applies to both public and private institutions
- Part of broader security measures for the SCO summit
- Government offices, universities, and the Supreme Court will also remain closed for part of the event
Parents and students in Islamabad and Rawalpindi are advised to plan accordingly, as the extended break will span across the weekend and into the following week. With traffic restrictions and heightened security in place, residents are also encouraged to stay informed about travel routes and updates during the SCO meeting.
For more updates on Islamabad school holidays and the SCO conference, stay tuned.
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