SCO summit: Section 144 imposed in Rawalpindi till Oct 17

• Govt prohibits all kinds of political assemblies in Rawalpindi.
• Punjab govt bans pillion riding, pigeon flying from Oct 10-17.
• Step taken to "maintain" law, order situation during SCO.

LAHORE: The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 in Rawalpindi till October 17 to maintain the law and order situation during the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

Exercising powers vested under Section 144, the provincial government prohibited all kinds of political assemblies, gatherings, sit-ins, rallies, demonstrations, pillion riding, aerial firing, pigeon flying, use of drones and use of laser lights from October 10 to 17 in the district.

This came as part of Pakistan's efforts to ensure the smooth conduct of the high-level summit. Islamabad is set to host the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting next week with major foreign leaders, including Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visiting the country.

The Punjab government said it took this decision on the district administration’s request to ensure security of people, installations, buildings and thwart any potential threat or untoward activity.

Meanwhile, the federal government has deployed Pakistan Army's troops in Islamabad from October 5 to 17, under Article 245 of the Constitution, to ensure law and order situation in the federal capital during the SCO summit.

The meeting of the SCO — which comprises nine full members, including China, India, Iran and Russia — is scheduled to take place in Islamabad on October 15 and 16.

A day ago, officials also announced the closure of marriage halls, restaurants, and cafes for a period of five days — October 12 to 16 — in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Additionally, notices were issued to traders and hotel owners by the police, warning that any violations will result in penalties.