Pakistan Prepares for SCO Summit with High-Level Delegations and Security

Pakistan is set to host the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of Government Summit on October 15 and 16 in Islamabad. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently reviewed the final preparations at the Jinnah Convention Center, with officials from the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Foreign Office briefing him on arrangements.

To ensure the security of the high-profile event, the capital has been placed under strict lockdown, with a three-day public holiday announced in Islamabad. Schools and businesses will remain closed, and large numbers of police and paramilitary forces have been deployed. Army troops will also provide security in the Red Zone, where most of the summit meetings will take place.

The summit will see the participation of leaders from China, Russia, and several other member states, with key discussions expected on economic, trade, and cultural cooperation. Pakistan’s Foreign Office confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz will preside over the meeting as the current Chair of the SCO. Bilateral meetings with heads of delegations are also expected on the sidelines.

Security concerns remain high, with Pakistan’s capital grappling with potential protests from opposition party PTI. However, the government is determined to showcase the positive side of Pakistan and ensure the success of the summit.