Pakistan ups security in Islamabad for regional summit
Oct 15, 2024
Islamabad [Pakistan], October 15: Heightened security measures were in place in the Pakistani capital Islamabad on Monday as heads of government arrived for a Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.
More than 10,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed while markets and schools will remain closed for three days.
The 23rd summit meeting of the SCO - which was founded by Russia, China and other countries to deal with international security issues - is set to last from 15-16 October.
Seven prime ministers, including those from China and Russia, will attend the summit according to the Foreign Ministry. The summit will focus on enhancing regional cooperation, trade, and financial integrity among member states.
On Monday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived on a four-day bilateral visit, the first official visit by a Chinese premier to Pakistan in 11 years. His visit came just days after a suicide attack in the port city of Karachi killed two Chinese nationals. Indian Minister for External Affairs S. Jaishankar will also be attended the summit, marking the first visit by an Indian foreign minister in nine years. However, neither Pakistan nor India has requested bilateral talks.
Source: Qatar Tribune
