**Punjab Government Imposes Section 144 in Rawalpindi Ahead of SCO Summit**
The Punjab government has implemented Section 144 in Rawalpindi district for eight days, prohibiting public gatherings in preparation for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit set to take place in Islamabad on October 15-16. Section 144 allows authorities to restrict assemblies of four or more individuals to maintain peace and prevent potential disturbances.
With over 10,000 police and paramilitary officers deployed to safeguard approximately 900 delegates arriving in Islamabad, the government aims to ensure a secure environment for the summit. The capital will observe a three-day holiday to further enhance security measures for the visiting dignitaries.
In light of the upcoming summit, the Punjab Home Department issued a notification on October 10, enforcing Section 144 to uphold law and order by prohibiting political assemblies, demonstrations, rallies, and other related activities from October 10 to 17. The ban extends to activities like pillion riding, aerial firing, pigeon flying, and the use of drones or laser lights.
Alongside these measures, the Islamabad High Court declared the starting three days of the following week as closed holidays for IHC, civil, and session courts. Additionally, a ban on political assemblies has been imposed in nine other districts from October 10 to 12, following an announced protest schedule by the PTI.
Overall, the Punjab government is taking proactive steps to maintain peace and security during the high-profile SCO summit, ensuring a successful and incident-free event.