Over 10,000 security personnel deployed; public offices, markets, schools, and metro bus service shut Finance Minister Dar urges PTI to cancel planned protest Bilateral talks with multiple countries scheduled
ISLAMABAD: Foreign dignitaries have begun arriving in Islamabad for preparatory meetings ahead of the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, set to take place on October 15-16. In anticipation of the event, stringent security measures have been put in place, with over 10,000 law enforcement personnel deployed.
Delegations from several SCO member states, including a four-member team from India, 76 representatives from Russia, 15 from China, two from Iran, and four from Kyrgyzstan, arrived on Sunday. Seven additional SCO delegates also reached Islamabad. The Pakistan Army and Rangers are tasked with securing key government sites and the Red Zone.
To ensure the smooth proceedings of the summit, the government has announced a suspension of the metro bus service between Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Public offices, educational institutions, and markets will remain closed for three days. All marriage halls have also been shut during the event.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar assured that all necessary arrangements for the summit have been finalized. He mentioned that several bilateral meetings, excluding India, are scheduled to take place on the sidelines of the summit.
Mr. Dar called on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to cancel its planned protest on October 15, citing national interest and recalling the disruption caused by PTI protests during the 2014 Chinese President’s visit. He emphasized the need for regional peace and cooperation, underscoring Pakistan’s growing role as a hub for regional trade and investment, as evidenced by recent visits from Malaysia’s prime minister and a Saudi delegation.
Regarding Afghanistan’s participation, Mr. Dar stated that since 2021, the country’s Observer Status had been suspended, and Pakistan alone could not decide on inviting Afghanistan without the consensus of SCO member states.
Story by Iftikhar A. Khan
