ISLAMABAD: The capital is set to host the 23rd Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) from October 15 to 16, chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
This pivotal meeting will see Islamabad transform into a hub of international diplomacy with the arrival of several global leaders.
Prime Minister Sharif, in his capacity as the current CHG Chair, will lead discussions with high-ranking officials from SCO member states, including China, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
This assembly will also be augmented by the presence of Iran’s First Vice President and India’s External Affairs Minister. Special attendees will include the Prime Minister of Mongolia, representing an observer state, and the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan.
The significance of this meeting is underlined by the extensive preparations at the Jinnah Convention Center, the venue for the summit. Prime Minister Sharif personally reviewed these arrangements, accompanied by key figures such as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar.
The briefing was conducted by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Capital Development Authority, with the Prime Minister expressing satisfaction with the preparations.
The logistical preparations for the summit have necessitated a comprehensive traffic management plan in Islamabad.
Heavy traffic will be restricted from entering significant parts of the capital from October 14 to 16 to ensure smooth transportation for the delegates and minimal disruption for residents. Over 1,100 traffic police personnel will enforce these measures, with alternative routes recommended for regular commuters to alleviate potential delays.
Additionally, extensive traffic adjustments have been planned for Rawalpindi to accommodate the increased traffic volume during the summit days. The Rawalpindi City Traffic Police will deploy 622 officers, including senior traffic wardens, to manage the flow of vehicles effectively. These measures have been carefully designed to ensure both the safety of the summit participants and the public.
Security arrangements are equally rigorous, with air surveillance and potential mobile service suspensions during the peak periods of delegate arrivals and departures. This high-security protocol underscores the importance of the event and the necessity of ensuring a safe environment for all attendees.
On the diplomatic front, Prime Minister Sharif is expected to hold crucial bilateral meetings with his counterparts. These sideline discussions are anticipated to further strengthen ties and foster cooperation on various regional and international issues, reflecting the SCO’s objectives of promoting regional stability and cooperation.
This year’s CHG meeting is particularly significant as it marks the first major regional conference hosted by Pakistan in recent years, following a challenging period marked by geopolitical tensions and a global pandemic.
The hosting of such a high-profile event is a testament to Pakistan’s enhanced role and standing within the SCO framework, which has grown to include new full members and observers, enhancing its geopolitical significance.
The summit is not only a diplomatic milestone but also an opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its readiness and capability to host international events of this scale.
The involvement of diverse nations, including the observer states and special guests, highlights the inclusive nature of the SCO, aiming to foster a comprehensive dialogue on shared challenges and opportunities.
