Pakistan Gears Up for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit
Foreign dignitaries have begun arriving in Islamabad for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, scheduled for October 15 and 16. Hosted by Pakistan, the event has prompted stringent security measures and the deployment of over 10,000 law enforcement personnel.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar has urged the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to cancel its protest plans scheduled for the summit, appealing to the party to consider national interests. The PTI’s past protests in 2014 led to the postponement of a visit by the Chinese president.
With delegations from India, Russia, China, Iran, and Kyrgyzstan already in Islamabad, bilateral talks are on the agenda alongside the main summit proceedings. The Pakistani government has also announced public holidays and the closure of various services to facilitate the smooth conduct of the event.
The summit aims to foster regional integration and peace, with Pakistan playing a central role in attracting regional trade and investment. Stay tuned for updates as the event unfolds.
Published in Dawn on October 14th, 2024