Pakistan is set to host a significant diplomatic event as Islamabad prepares for a high-level meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) starting tomorrow (Wednesday). The summit will gather leaders from around eight countries, including nuclear powers China and Russia, emphasizing the event’s geopolitical importance.
To ensure security, various agencies, including the Army, Rangers, Frontier Corps, and provincial police, have implemented extensive measures. Consequently, all business centers, wedding halls, gyms, busy markets, and main roads along the routes of the foreign dignitaries will be closed from October 12 to 16.
Additionally, heavy traffic restrictions have been enforced in the twin cities, with Metro bus services suspended from October 14 to 16.
The capital is adorned with vibrant decorations, welcoming esteemed guests, such as Chinese Premier Li Qiang, a crucial ally of Pakistan. He will be joined by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Vladimirovich Mishustin, leading a large delegation to the event.
According to Foreign Ministry sources, both premiers will conduct separate high-level meetings with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari, focusing on regional security and cooperation.
In honor of the visiting dignitaries, elaborate luncheons and dinners are planned, underscoring the importance of these diplomatic ties. Premier Li Qiang’s four-day visit will involve participation in the SCO summit and, later, a focus on enhancing bilateral relations through agreements with Pakistan to bolster economic and infrastructural collaboration.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the attendance of other prominent leaders, such as Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov, India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Iran’s First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref, and other key representatives from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, and Turkmenistan.
SCO officials, including Secretary-General Zhang Ming, Executive Committee Director Arslan Murzikhov, Business Council Chairman Atif Ikram Sheikh, and Interbank Consortium Council Chairman Marat Elybayev, will also attend, with discussions aimed at boosting economic cooperation and addressing critical regional matters.
As the summit unfolds, Islamabad will be in the spotlight, with global attention on the outcomes of this prominent diplomatic gathering.
