Given the approaching summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the district administration has decided to suspend the Metro Bus service in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The move has attracted concerns from local pedestrians, who depend on the service for their daily routine.
Metro Bus Service Suspension Details
The Metro Bus service operates between Islamabad and Rawalpindi, but the district administration has directed its closure to the public from October 14 to October 17.
. The temporary measure aims to enable a smooth process throughout the SCO summit, performing essential security functions or reducing the traffic pressure on memorable areas within the two cities. The public has been informed to use other modes of transport within these times.
operating until 13th October.
The dedicated authorities of the Metro Bus service have now announced that it will keep operating until 13th October. Henceforth, the service shall not be operational for four days and will be reinstated on October 18. Many people will have problems during that period because they rely on the Metro Bus as their main transport source, enabling commuters to travel between two cities, Rawalpindi and Islamabad, daily.
Why is the SCO Summit so Significant?
The forthcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, scheduled for October 15th and 16th, will be a strong diplomacy event. It will help strive for peace, development, economic integration, and regional political stability. This summit presents an opportunity for member states to discuss their relations, security concerns, and advancements.
This year, Pakistan, particularly Islamabad, will host the summit, and prime ministers and foreign ministers of different member countries will attend the discussion. This assembly of such major persons calls for enhanced protection, which explains the temporary discontinuation of public transport bus services, including the Metro Bus.
use meaningful strategies such as taxicabs
The local administration is implementing several measures to protect important visiting personalities, including suspending the Metro Bus service. They are expected to increase security by adding roadblocks and diversions, especially in areas hosting the summit. Authorities may temporarily seal key routes to governmental offices, hotels, and diplomatic territories.
However, residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi may be quite excited about maintaining the traffic level, which is evident in some zones. However, it seems that daily commuters will have to use meaningful strategies such as taxicabs, private vehicles, and ride-hailing mechanisms due to rush hour. The public transport system includes the regularly run Metro bus, which is cheap and efficient, so its absence will most likely lead to higher travel expenses and time for the usual public transport users.
Advice for Commuters During the Suspension The administration has, however, counseled those who use transport means to know the routes they wish to take appropriately on the event days. Other ways the relevant departments can explore managing vehicle movement include giving timely warnings about road constructions and correcting whether to cut off traffic movement.
Still, this occupies an important spot regarding the pertinent warrant of undertaking the SCO summit.
Conclusion
Indeed, while it may disturb one’s daily trips, the event’s impact on Pakistan’s image on global and regional levels is huge. With these actions in place, the administration can ensure the order and safety of the citizens and the visiting celebrities during the high-level summit.
