ISLAMABAD: Authorities on Thursday said that institutions conducting the Cambridge O and A level examinations will remain open, despite a three-day public holiday recently announced by the federal government ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

"It is clarified that all the examinations scheduled between 14 till 16 October 2024 will be held as per schedule," wrote Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Irfan Nawaz, in a post on his official X account on Thursday.

"All the examination centres in Islamabad will remain open," he added in his post on social media.

The government's announcement of holidays for educational institutions, set to be observed from October 14 to 16, came as part of Pakistan's efforts to ensure the smooth conduct of the high-level 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.

The Cambridge examinations are set to be held in three centers across Islamabad located in Sector E-11, Sector H8 and Noor Mahal at the GT Road.

Earlier today, 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.