ISLAMABAD: The capital city is preparing for the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, scheduled for October 15-16. Foreign dignitaries have started arriving in the capital for preparatory meetings. The summit will take place under stringent security arrangements.
Informed sources revealed that a four-member delegation from India, 76 delegates from Russia, 15 representatives from China, a two-member team from Iran, and a four-member delegation from Kyrgyzstan have reached Islamabad. Seven additional delegates from SCO also arrived on Sunday.
To ensure security for the event the Army has already been called in. It will oversee the protection of key government buildings, especially in the Red Zone. Rangers have also been deployed across the capital.
The federal government has assigned over 10,000 police personnel to safeguard the 900 expected delegates. Additionally, the metro bus service between Islamabad and Rawalpindi will be suspended during the summit. The government has declared a three-day public holiday for offices, schools, and commercial centers in Islamabad to facilitate smooth proceedings. Marriage halls will remain closed during the event.
Arrangements in Full Swing
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar confirmed that all preparations for the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting have been finalized. Speaking to reporters after reviewing the arrangements, Dar said that several countries, excluding India, had requested bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar accompanied Dar during his walk with reporters. The two provided first-hand information about the summit’s preparations.
Dar also urged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to call off its planned protest on October 15. He argued that holding a protest at such a crucial time is against the national interest. Dar reminded reporters of the PTI’s protest in 2014, which had led to the postponement of a key visit by the Chinese president.
He criticized the PTI’s decision to stay away from the recent multi-party conference on Gaza, questioning what message the party intended to send with its actions. He also accused PTI of crossing red lines in the past, attacking state institutions, and urged its leadership to reconsider its protest plans.
Read: Dar Urges PTI to Withdraw October 15 Protest for National Interest
Afghanistan’s Participation Uncertain
Dar said the SCO suspended Afghanistan’s observer status in 2021. Since then, Afghanistan has not participated in any SCO meetings. He added that Pakistan cannot decide alone on inviting Afghanistan, as SCO member states make all decisions collectively.
Dar emphasized that the entire region needs integration and peace, which aligns with the goals of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leadership.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Standing
Dar dismissed claims of Pakistan’s diplomatic isolation. He pointed out that the country has become a hub for regional trade and investment. He cited recent visits from the Malaysian prime minister and a Saudi delegation as proof of Pakistan’s growing importance in the region.
As Islamabad welcomes international leaders for the summit, all eyes will be on the capital to ensure the event’s success amidst tight security and logistical arrangements.
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