Two-Day SCO Summit Begins in Islamabad

News Desk 

Islamabad: The 23rd Council of Heads of Government (CHG) Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) kicked off today in Islamabad, with more than a thousand delegates from around the world arriving in Pakistan.

The summit, set to focus on economic, trade, environmental, and socio-cultural cooperation, will be presided over by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Representatives from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and India are attending, while China’s Premier of the State Council Li Qiang represents his nation. 

Mongolia’s Prime Minister, as an Observer State, and Turkmenistan’s Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers are also participating.

The primary session of the summit will take place on October 16 at the Jinnah Convention Centre, where the leaders will review SCO’s progress and future cooperation.

Islamabad Welcomes Over 1,000 Delegates for 23rd SCO Council of Heads of Government Summit

Prime Minister Sharif is set to host a dinner tonight in honor of the visiting foreign delegations.

In preparation for the summit, Islamabad has been adorned with national flags and portraits of the visiting heads of state. Large screens have been installed for event coverage, while security measures are heightened across the capital.

The Red Zone is under tight security, and thorough vehicle checks are being conducted. Metro bus services remain suspended, and heavy transport is restricted in Rawalpindi.

Established on June 15, 2001, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) aims to enhance multilateral cooperation, promote peace, and establish a new international economic order. 

Pakistan joined the organization in 2017, and since then has played an active role in fostering good relations among member states.

The supreme decision-making body of the SCO, the Council of Heads of State (CHS), meets annually, while the CHG, the second-highest forum, focuses on socio-economic and trade cooperation among members. Pakistan took over the rotating chair of the CHG from 2023 to 2024.

PTI Defers Protest Amid SCO Summit

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has postponed its planned protest at D-Chowk, initially scheduled for October 15, to accommodate the two-day SCO summit.

PTI’s political committee made the decision following government assurances that a team of doctors would visit PTI founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail. 

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan announced the deferment in a video message, stating that the government’s request, coupled with concerns for Imran Khan’s health, led to the decision.