According to the latest Pakistan news, Islamabad is under lockdown as the country prepares to host the 23rd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation on October 15 and 16, 2024.
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According to the latest Pakistan news, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a regional bloc that brings together major powers for cooperation in areas like security, economy and regional stability.
The Core Member States Include:
- China
- India
- Russia
- Pakistan
- Iran
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Tajikistan
- Uzbekistan
- Belarus
The SCO Summit 2024 will be Attended by Leaders from Member States. Some Participants Include:
- Li Qiang, the Premier of China
- Sergey Lavrov, the Foreign Minister of Russia
- S. Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister of India
- The First Vice President of Iran
- Leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Belarus
A three-day public holiday has been declared in Islamabad spanning from October 14 to 16. During this period, schools, businesses and offices will remain shut.
The Pakistan Army has been entrusted with overseeing the security of Islamabad’s Red Zone, which includes Parliament and the diplomatic enclave where most meetings will occur.
10,000 soldiers and commandos from the Pakistan Army have been deployed in Islamabad and Rawalpindi to ensure a smooth and secure event.
Local police forces and paramilitary forces will be working directly under military command.
From October 12 to 16, all wedding halls, cafes, restaurants and snooker clubs have been ordered to shut down in both Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Traders and hotel owners have been warned of legal action if they violate the restrictions.
According to the latest Pakistan news, Pakistan is on high threat alert due to recent incidents. The killing of two Chinese engineers and the murders of 21 miners in Pakistan have raised security concerns especially regarding the safety of Chinese nationals in the country.
In response, the movement of Chinese citizens in Islamabad has been restricted with concerns they may be targeted by separatist militants.
The political climate in Pakistan remains unstable. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan currently imprisoned, has called for a protest on October 15, the first day of the SCO Summit 2024, to demand his release and criticize the ruling government.
Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party has a history of violent clashes with security forces and there are fears of possible confrontations between PTI loyalists and military forces during the summit.
The lockdown has not only affected businesses and educational institutions but also disrupted daily life for residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Public holidays on October 14 and 16 to minimize movement in the capital. Closure of all businesses from October 12 to 16, with the government mandating bail bonds from business owners to ensure no outsiders are staying in hotels during the lockdown.
Bans on public gatherings and events including weddings, with all wedding halls and event venues required to remain closed during the summit period.
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According to the latest Pakistan news, from October 12 to 16, a series of restrictions have been enforced. All wedding halls, cafes, restaurants and snooker clubs in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been ordered to remain closed.
As part of the lockdown, weddings and other social events have been postponed with a ban on marriages and other large gatherings.
The government has issued a strict warning to business owners especially hotel owners and traders regarding compliance with the lockdown.
They have been instructed to fill bail bonds, ensuring that no outsiders or unauthorized persons stay in their establishments during the lockdown period. Failure to comply with these orders could result in legal consequences.
Supporters of Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party are planning protests during the summit. This concerns of potential clashes between demonstrators and the military.
Earlier in October, clashes erupted between PTI supporters and security forces as they rallied for Khan’s release from jail.
According to the latest Pakistan news, the Pakistani government has increased security for Chinese nationals residing in Islamabad following attacks targeting Chinese citizens.
On October 6, an attack near Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport resulted in the deaths of two Chinese nationals, with the Balochistan Liberation Army, a separatist group claiming responsibility.
These attacks on Chinese nationals will likely feature in discussions during the SCO summit particularly in relation to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a $65 billion infrastructure investment under China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
The 23rd meeting of the heads of government of SCO member states will be attended by leaders from China, India, Russia and Iran, among others.
The visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang is significant as it is the first time in over a decade that a Chinese premier has visited Pakistan.
Li Qiang is also expected to inaugurate the CPEC-funded Gwadar International Airport, which will enhance trade and connectivity between China and Pakistan.
According to the latest Pakistan news, the summit will see the arrival of various delegations including a 76-member Russian delegation and seven representatives from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Additionally, a 15-member delegation from China, a four-member team from Kyrgyzstan and a two-member delegation from Iran have also arrived in Islamabad.
India will be represented by a four-member official delegation led by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
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