Islamabad will host the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organization SCO meeting, inviting the Prime Ministers of eight countries, including Pakistan. As the federal capital welcomes these high dignitaries, authorities have heightened security. Meanwhile, they have paused normal activities and implemented comprehensive security arrangements for the summit participants. Since it is one of the crucial events for relations between countries, Pakistan is a rather vital country to host the event.
Traffic Management
Due to the summit, there has been a lot of traffic with an announcement of several road closures in Islamabad within the Red Zone because that is the most guarded area. Authorities have closed all roads leading into the red zone, including specific routes like Park Road near Bani Gala and Rawal Dam Chowk near Club Road. They have also shut down more roads, particularly ring roads around the red zone, and major junctions such as Faisal Avenue at Faizabad IJP Road heading towards I-8. Additionally, they have restricted access to the Kashmir Highway near the convention centre’s barred entrance to divert most traffic away from sensitive areas.
The authorities implemented these road closures to enhance security and prevent dangerous cars and people from approaching the restricted areas where the summit is scheduled. In addition to these measures, the authorities are trying to find alternative routes without compromising the safety of the people and the comfort of the public.
Traffic conditions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi were affected.
Issuing notifications for potential disruptions during the summit, the Islamabad Traffic Police have issued several notices to the citizens of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Severe traffic delays will affect the twin cities as authorities close most major roads due to security concerns. From 14 October to 16 October, authorities will restrict heavy vehicles from entering Islamabad to ease traffic flow during the summit.
Moreover, local authorities have also announced a public holiday during this period to avoid any traffic build-up and facilitate the movement of the security officers and the summit participants. The authorities of the city of Islamabad have undertaken this measure to ensure that everything goes ahead as planned and without security breaches while also having as little impact as possible on the daily activities of the city’s residents.
Public Feedback and Closure
Road closures and subsequent traffic deviations may cause problems for the general populace, but the restrictions are very important in protecting the security and order of this major world summit.
With Pakistan hosting this vital summit, the government’s focus remains on enhancing the security of everyone attending the summit, including the local citizens. The successful hosting of the SCO meeting. Pakistan views it as a great addition to its activities and efforts in the international arena.
