Pakistan is all set to hold the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) beginning on Tuesday in the capital city, Islamabad. Several top leaders from the member states will participate in the two-day summit. The major routes and businesses in Islamabad and its neighbouring city, Rawalpindi, have been closed, citing security concerns. External Affairs Minister of India, S Jaishankar, will land in Pakistan on Tuesday, October 15 to attend the SCO meet, marking the first visit in nine years by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan. The two countries, however, have unwelcoming ties over the Kashmir issue and cross-border terrorism originating from Pakistan.
Security Beefed Up in Islamabad
To address the ongoing political unrest and violence in its capital, Pakistan has heightened security measures and has deployed troops across Islamabad. Several protesters of jailed opposition leader Imran Khan have been arrested and involved in creating alleged violence. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has called off a planned protest as new laws limiting demonstrations have been enforced.
Government schools have declared a public holiday for three days, starting from Monday, with schools and businesses closed. Police and paramilitary have been deployed and are patrolling throughout the city, ensuring safety.
According to Pakistan’s interior ministry, army troops are responsible for securing the Red Zone, which includes the parliament, diplomatic enclave, and the main venues for the upcoming summit.
The summit will begin on Tuesday with the arrival of delegations, followed by a welcome dinner hosted by the Pakistani Prime Minister. The official proceedings will include speeches from Pakistan’s Prime Minister, document signings, and closing remarks the next day.
Pakistan’s capital is under tight security as Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Islamabad on Monday for the SCO meeting and a four-day bilateral visit. This marks the first visit by a Chinese premier to Pakistan in 11 years. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally received Li at the airport.
Premier Li is expected to hold discussions with Shehbaz Sharf, President Asif Ali Zardari, and other key political and military leaders and enhance bilateral ties with Pakistan. He is also set to inaugurate the CPEC-funded Gwadar International Airport in Balochistan, near the borders with Afghanistan and Iran.
Key Leaders At SCO Meet
Leaders from SCO member states attending the summit include Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Belarus Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko, Kazakhstan Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Tajik Prime Minister Kohir Rasulzoda, Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Kyrgyzstan’s Chairman of Ministers Cabinet Zhaparov Akylbek, and Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref.
What Makes EAM Jaishankar’s Visit Important?
India’s External Affairs Minister is expected to attend a banquet hosted by Shehbaz Sharif. However, both sides have ruled out any bilateral talks between Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar, during the SCO heads of government summit.
In August, Pakistan extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the SCO summit. Jaishankar’s visit to Pakistan is seen as an important move by India. In a recent statement, Jaishankar said, “Like with any neighbour, India would certainly like to have good relations with Pakistan. But that cannot happen by overlooking cross-border terrorism and indulging in wishful thinking.”
Pakistan took over the rotating chair of the SCO CHG for 2023-24 at the last meeting in Bishkek in October 2023. The SCO, founded in 2001 by Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, made India and Pakistan permanent members in 2017.
