SCO Summit Begins Today in Islamabad

Today marks the beginning of the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit at the Jinnah Convention Center in Islamabad, with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif at the helm. This crucial gathering will see participation from leaders of key member states, including China, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran, along with India’s External Affairs Minister.

A ceremonial reception awaits, featuring a red carpet and a 21-gun salute for the Chinese Premier. Mongolia’s Prime Minister will attend as an observer, while Turkmenistan will be represented by its Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers.

Discussions at the summit will center on enhancing cooperation in critical areas such as economy, trade, environmental concerns, and socio-cultural ties. Security measures have been ramped up across Islamabad, involving local police, Rangers, and military personnel to ensure the safety of visiting dignitaries. The federal government has also conferred special powers to the military for effective security management.

Information Minister Ataullah Tarar remarked that the successful hosting of the SCO summit represents a revitalization of Pakistan’s international standing and underscores the country’s active role in the region. He highlighted the government’s efforts to break the diplomatic isolation previously faced by Pakistan.