Pakistan is set to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Islamabad, leading authorities to implement a lockdown in the capital to ensure the safety of high-profile attendees. In a rare move, the government has entrusted security responsibilities to the Army due to rising concerns over potential terrorist activities and planned protests by the opposition party led by Imran Khan.
To facilitate the security of delegates, the federal government has declared a three-day holiday in Islamabad, starting October 14. According to Dawn newspaper, strict orders have been issued to close cafes, restaurants, snooker clubs, and wedding halls in the area.
The two-day conference, scheduled for October 15 and 16, will feature senior regional government officials, including Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Over 10,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed to secure the approximately 900 delegates attending the summit.
Additionally, army troops have been deployed in Islamabad under Article 245 of the Constitution to enhance security measures from October 5 to 17. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by Imran Khan, has threatened protests during the summit. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, Pakistan’s minister for planning, accused the PTI of attempting to disrupt the event, asserting that they seek to portray a negative image of Pakistan instead of highlighting the country’s positive aspects.
In a related measure, the Punjab government has enforced Section 144 in Rawalpindi for eight days, from October 10 to 17, to prevent any political assemblies, rallies, or sit-ins in light of the arrival of foreign dignitaries at PAF Base Nur Khan and New Islamabad International Airport for the SCO summit.