In a recent announcement, Pakistan International Airlines PIA Offices Closed temporarily grounded its operational offices for three days in Islamabad owing to the forthcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (S.C.O.) The summit will convene in the said city, bringing together various heads of state. Scheduled for October 15 and 16, the meeting will span two days. To ensure smooth conduct, authorities have implemented extensive security measures in the capital and surrounding cities.
Closure of PIA Offices Closed
As of 2023, the management of Pakistan International Airlines (P.I.A.) is not allowing its employees to work in its offices. Owing to the S.C.O. summit, leaders worldwide will convene in the federal capital. For this purpose, the P.I.A. offices in all its locations will not provide any such services with effect from the issue of this notice till the end of such holiday. All P.I.A. offices will remain closed for business from October 14 to 16, 2024. This is a statement in a public notice, as seen above in the heading.
But P.I.A. explained that these operation suspensions will not involve Bidair Services. Thus, passenger and cargo flights and other essential airline services will be unhindered even during the summit.
Measures of Security for the S.C.O. Conference PIA Offices Closed
Indian law is concerned with curtailing public gatherings, protests, and rallies during peaceful and natural circumstances. This is a preventive security measure to reduce most disturbances during the summit.
By this law, people will have limited access to movement in some cities, especially around the summit and other essential places.
Shut Down of Commercial And Non – Commercial Centers
Another instruction that has been taken in the course of measures to enhance security is that the local authorities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have also ordered the closure of the:
Schools, colleges and universities PIA Offices Closed
These places are supposed to be out of business from 12 October to 17 October 2014. This is done to control people’s movement and allow security forces to keep uninterrupted monitoring and guarding during the S.C.O. summit.
Effect on Public Life PIA Offices Closed
Closing P.I.A. offices and other facilities should not cause any practical difficulties for residents and businesses. Authorities have taken precautions regarding international delegations for the summit and the public. The summit’s organizing committee has urged people to plan ahead, limit unnecessary travel, and stay informed about traffic restrictions and the use of public facilities during the event.
In addition to closing educational institutions and tightening security at restaurants, authorities will alter or stop traffic in certain areas of Islamabad and Rawalpindi when dignitaries use major roads. While the mass transport system will remain operational, some disruptions or route changes may occur due to security measures.
The rationale for S.C.O. Summit PIA Offices Closed
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization includes Iran, India, and other countries, but under the parental strategy led by Pakistan, China, Russia, India, and the countries of Central Asia, carries out the missions of regional security, political stability, trade relations, and logistical issues, aimed at the highest level. This year’s summit is noteworthy as it will take place in Pakistan, thus providing the nation a chance to develop and demonstrate its influence on regional processes and diplomatic relations.
The S.C.O.’s agenda mainly remains to automate counterterrorism, trade, regional link enhancement, and cooperative economic growth. This summit enables the member nations to discuss important topics related to the region, such as border security, cross-border trading, and economic cooperation.
For Pakistan, hosting such a function is of global importance since it gives the perception that the country has important regional political and economic power considerations. It also presents prospects for developing better relations with other states that belong to the S.C.O., especially China and Russia, whose relations can be beneficial in many ways.
Conclusion
The temporary suspension of Pakistan International Airlines’ left offices operating in Islamabad is one of the security measures to ensure the successful holding of the S.C.O. summit.
From a DA standpoint, some view the measures as essential for protecting the heads of state attending the meeting rather than just ensuring a disturbance-free summit.
With Section 144 enforced and certain public facilities closed, authorities advise citizens and businesses in Islamabad and Rawalpindi to stay informed and follow instructions, fully cooperating with the local administration.
Apart from contributing to the region, the S.C.O. summit also places Islamabad at the center stage of an active discussion in the global political scenario. As for the duration of the summit, the city’s day-to-day activities will be redrafted. However, such efforts are worthwhile, considering that there is a larger goal of promoting cooperation in the region.
