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Pakistan Prepares for SCO 2024 Summit with Heightened Security Measures

Public holidays declared and transport restrictions in place to ensure smooth proceedings.

Pakistan is set to host the 23rd Heads of Government Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on October 15 and 16 in the federal capital.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inspected the Jinnah Convention Center to evaluate the summit preparations, receiving briefings from the CDA chairman and Foreign Office officials on the arrangements.

In anticipation of the arrival of Chinese Premier Li Qiang for a four-day visit and the SCO meeting, Islamabad has implemented a strict security lockdown. The government has declared a three-day public holiday in the city, resulting in the closure of schools and businesses, with large deployments of police and paramilitary forces.

According to a Foreign Office spokesperson, PM Shehbaz will chair the SCO Council of the Heads of Government meeting, serving as the current chair. The prime ministers of China, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan will represent their respective countries at the summit, while the first vice president of Iran and India’s External Affairs Minister are also expected to attend. The Prime Minister of Mongolia will participate as an observer, and the deputy chairman of Turkmenistan’s Cabinet of Ministers and foreign minister will attend as a special guest.

PM Shehbaz is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with various visiting delegations during the summit. The SCO summit will focus on ongoing cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, environment, sociocultural ties, and will evaluate the organization’s performance.

About the SCO

The SCO includes China, India, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus, along with 16 additional countries serving as observers or “dialogue partners.” While all visiting member nations are expected to send heads of government, India has opted to send its foreign minister in a rare visit to Pakistan. The SCO is often viewed as an alternative to the NATO military alliance, particularly as China and Russia face tensions with the US and Europe over issues like Taiwan and Ukraine. Although the SCO addresses security matters, the Islamabad summit will prioritize trade, humanitarian, and cultural discussions.

Domestic Tensions

Domestically, the summit may be overshadowed by potential protests from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. A week after protests by PTI supporters led to a lockdown in the capital, the party has announced intentions to stage further demonstrations. Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal criticized the PTI, claiming they aim to depict Pakistan negatively instead of showcasing its positive aspects.

The Pakistan army is tasked with securing the capital’s Red Zone, which will host most summit meetings and is home to key government buildings and the diplomatic enclave. The area has been fortified, featuring manicured lawns and razor wire.

Pakistan, which is currently facing economic challenges, is particularly keen to protect its relationship with China, a major investor in the country’s infrastructure projects. The nation is also grappling with rising militancy linked to the Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan, with Islamabad asserting that attackers are finding refuge across the border.

Heightened Security Measures

In response to the summit, the government has enacted strict security measures in Islamabad. The metro bus service will be suspended from October 14 to 17. Additionally, the Islamabad police have announced a traffic plan to manage incoming vehicles. Traffic from Peshawar and Lahore will be rerouted, with diversions in place to mitigate congestion. The expressway from Zero Point Faisal Avenue to Coral Chowk will be closed to all incoming traffic, and heavy vehicles are prohibited in Islamabad from October 14 to 16.

More Read: 

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Calls Urgent Meeting to Discuss PTI Protest Amid SCO Summit

23rd SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting Set to Commence in Islamabad

Chinese Premier Li Qiang Visits Pakistan to Strengthen Bilateral Ties and Attend SCO Summit

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