SCO Summit: Islamabad Gears Up for Diplomatic Gathering

AFP

Islamabad: Islamabad is gearing up for a major security lockdown ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. 

Senior officials from across the region, including Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, will be in attendance.

In the lead-up to the summit, Pakistan’s authorities have taken strict measures to curb unrest, banning an ethnic nationalist movement and implementing new laws that restrict protests in the capital.

Hundreds of supporters of opposition leader Imran Khan, who is currently jailed, were also detained after attempting to march in Islamabad earlier this month.

Concerns over safety were amplified after a deadly attack on a convoy of Chinese engineers in Karachi last week. With separatist groups frequently targeting Chinese nationals in Pakistan, authorities have authorised troop deployment in Islamabad for the duration of the summit to ensure security.

The SCO Summit Significance

Security analyst Imtiaz Gul highlighted the importance of the SCO summit for Pakistan, a nation often perceived as unsafe. “The government claims to have made elaborate security arrangements to ensure the event passes peacefully,” he said.

The SCO includes China, India, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus, with additional observer and dialogue partner countries. It is often seen as a counterbalance to NATO. While the summit’s mandate includes security discussions, this meeting will primarily focus on trade, humanitarian, and cultural issues.

Protecting Chinese nationals and interests remains a top priority for Pakistan, as China is a key investor in major infrastructure projects across the country. With militancy on the rise since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, ensuring the safety of Chinese workers has become increasingly critical for Islamabad.

Protest Threat Looms

Pakistan’s domestic political crisis is set to overshadow the sidelines of the summit. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by Imran Khan, has threatened to stage protests during the event.

Last week, similar demonstrations led to a three-day lockdown in Islamabad, with mobile networks suspended and roads blocked.

To mitigate disruptions, the ICT and Rawalpindi authorities have declared a three-day public holiday in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, starting Monday, along with extensive road closures.

The government quarter hosting the summit has been heavily fortified, with razor-wire fencing and enhanced security measures.

The Rawalpindi police have finalized comprehensive security arrangements for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, scheduled for October 15-16 in Islamabad.

A total of 3,500 police personnel will be deployed to ensure security at the high-profile international event. Additionally, around 700 officers and traffic wardens will be stationed to manage traffic flow during the summit.

According to a police spokesperson, patrols by police mobiles, the Elite Force, and the Dolphin Force will cover key areas, while snipers will be positioned on rooftops in sensitive locations to secure the event.

City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Mehmood Hamdani emphasized that foolproof security will be in place. He also noted that Section 144, prohibiting illegal gatherings and motorcycle double riding, has already been enforced across Rawalpindi.

Hamdani appreciated the cooperation of local traders and organizations and urged citizens to support law enforcement efforts to ensure public safety during the summit.

“The protection of life and property, along with maintaining law and order, is our top priority,” he added.

Additional input from APP.