Islamabad is getting back to normal after a three-day break from the hustle and bustle. The city had been on a sort of lockdown due to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit that wrapped up just yesterday. From October 14 to 16, the federal government declared local holidays, shutting things down for security reasons.
During these days, the city was under tight watch with strict security measures in place to make sure the summit went off without a hitch. High-profile guests, including the Chinese prime minister and around 900 other delegates, came to the capital. Roads leading to the Red Zone and other key areas, including the Islamabad Expressway, sealed off. This caused quite a bit of trouble for the locals who had to take longer routes or just stay indoors.
Thursday morning brought some relief as roads reopened and traffic began to flow again. Schools, markets, and businesses, which affected by the summit security, also started welcoming people back. Traders, in particular, were glad to see the rush of shoppers returning to the main commercial spots.
But not everything is fully back to routine. The Metro Bus service, a lifeline for many residents, is still off the road. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) said it will open once all security protocols done with. During the summit, the city had an eerie vibe, with empty roads and a heavy security presence making it feel like a ghost town. The Islamabad Traffic Police had to regularly update people to help them navigate the road closures, while schools stayed shut as a precaution.
Hosting the SCO summit was a big deal for Pakistan, being the first time the event happened here in person. Top officials from China, Russia, and Central Asian countries joined, marking Pakistan’s growing influence in the region. Though the lockdown was a hassle for many, officials are calling the summit a success, and security forces are still keeping an eye out as things fully return to normal.
 summit that wrapped up just yesterday. From October 14 to 16, the federal government declared local holidays, shutting things down for security reasons.){kind=link}