Foreign dignitaries have begun arriving in Islamabad for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit’s October 15 and 16 preparatory meetings. Pakistan, amid heightened security, is ready to host the bloc’s 23rd meeting.
The arrival of delegations: four members from India, 76 from Russia, 15 from China, two from Iran, and four from Kyrgyzstan. Additionally, seven SCO delegates reached the capital on Sunday.
The Army has been deployed to ensure the event’s security, overseeing key government buildings and the Red Zone. Rangers are also stationed throughout the capital. Over 10,000 police personnel are dedicated to safeguarding approximately 900 delegates.
Read: Comprehensive Security Measures for SCO Summit in Islamabad
Read: Punjab Enforces Section 144 to Curb PTI Political Protest
The government has declared a three-day holiday for Islamabad public offices, educational institutions, and commercial centres.
Read: Islamabad and Rawalpindi to Shut Down Key Venues from October 12-16
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, after reviewing the preparations, confirmed that all arrangements are in place. He noted that several countries, excluding India, have requested bilateral meetings alongside the main event.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar joined the Deputy PM in updating reporters about the summit’s preparations. Dar urged the PTI to cancel its October 15 protest in the national interest, reminding them of the disruptions caused by their 2014 protest, which delayed a significant visit from China.
Dar criticized the PTI for missing a recent multi-party conference on Gaza and for past actions against state institutions. He emphasized the need for the PTI leadership to reconsider their plans for the national good.
Read: PTI Sets Condition to Cancel Oct 15 Protest; PML-N Dismisses Proposal
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the region’s need for integration and peace, aligning with the core objectives of the PML-N leadership.
