ISLAMABAD: Life in the federal capital resumed to normal on Thursday after a three-day virtual ‘lockdown‘in Islamabad due to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, which concluded yesterday.
The federal government had declared three days, local holidays from Oct 14 till Oct 16 as part of heightened security measures for the summit.
The city had been under tight security as authorities took extensive measures to ensure the smooth conduct of the summit, which saw the participation of foreign dignitaries including the Chinese prime minister and over 900 high-level delegations.
Key roads, which had been sealed off in the Red Zone and other parts of the city including the Islamabad Expressway, were reopened this morning, allowing traffic to flow freely.
The closures had caused severe disruptions in the daily lives of residents, with many having to take alternate routes or remain indoors.
Schools, markets and business centres, which were also affected by the heightened security measures, reopened today.
Traders expressed relief as normalcy returned, and shoppers were seen returning to the main commercial hubs.
Passenger van catches fire near Toll Plaza, three killed
However, despite the reopening of roads and markets, the Metro Bus service, a key mode of public transport for many residents, remains suspended. According to the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the service will resume once security protocols are fully lifted.
During the summit, many Islamabad residents complained about the lockdown’s impact on their daily routines. The capital city had turned virtually into a ghost town with scant traffic on the roads due to blocked roads and the presence of security personnel.
The Islamabad Traffic Police had issued regular updates to guide commuters, while several educational institutions remained closed during the summit days as a precaution.
The SCO summit, hosted by Pakistan this year, was attended by top officials from member countries, including China, Russia, and Central Asian states. This was Pakistan’s first time hosting the summit in person, highlighting its growing role within the regional bloc.
Despite the temporary inconveniences caused, the event is being hailed as a success by officials. Security agencies, meanwhile, remain on alert as the final security measures are gradually lifted.