Islamabad Welcomes Chinese Premier Ahead of SCO Summit

News Desk 

Islamabad: At the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chinese Premier Li Qiang will arrive in Islamabad today for a four-day visit, coinciding with Pakistan’s hosting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, which begins tomorrow (Tuesday).

During his stay, Prime Minister Li Qiang will also participate in the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Premier Li will be joined by ministers and senior officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Commerce, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the China International Development Cooperation Agency.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Premier Li Qiang will lead their respective delegations in extensive discussions on all aspects of Pakistan-China relations, focusing on economic and trade ties as well as cooperation under CPEC.

The discussions will also encompass regional and global developments.

SCO Summit

Pakistan is prepared to host the meeting of the Council of the Heads of Government of the SCO in Islamabad on Tuesday and Wednesday. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will preside over the meeting.

The SCO member states will be represented by the Prime Ministers of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, along with the First Vice President of Iran and the External Affairs Minister of India.

The Prime Minister of Mongolia will attend as an Observer State, and the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan will participate as a special guest.

The SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting will address ongoing cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, environment, and socio-cultural linkages, while also reviewing the organization’s performance.

Additionally, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will hold significant bilateral meetings with visiting heads of delegations on the sidelines of the meeting.

Foolproof security 

Islamabad Police have formulated a detailed security plan for the SCO 2024 Summit taking place in the federal capital, which will host numerous dignitaries, media representatives, and businesspersons from partner countries.

To this end, the police have issued a comprehensive and integrated security plan aimed at ensuring the safety of the SCO Summit 2024.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi announced that security measures have been finalized at all venues, airports, routes, funnel areas, hotels, and the residences of delegations, including Noor Khan Air Base. Concurrently, search and intelligence-based operations are actively ongoing in Islamabad.

He further stated that comprehensive security has been guaranteed for all foreign leaders, delegations, and guests.

In addition to the police, personnel from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, District Administration, Pakistan Army, Rangers, FC, provincial police, intelligence agencies, traffic police, and the Special Branch are all working to ensure foolproof security. Over 9,000 officers and officials of Islamabad Police will be on duty to secure the SCO Summit 2024.

The IGP added that an integrated and comprehensive traffic plan has been implemented to minimize inconvenience for the public.

Islamabad Police are urging citizens to cooperate in ensuring the security of the SCO Summit 2024.

He reassured that Islamabad Police will employ all available resources to provide foolproof security for all delegations and will make every effort to maintain the dignity and honor of the country.