Pakistan is all set to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad on October 15-16, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar expressing confidence in the country’s readiness. He confirmed that several countries had requested bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit, but no such request had come from India. The focus will remain on the SCO framework, with significant regional issues under discussion.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar accompanied Dar during an inspection of the summit preparations, providing media with insights into the arrangements. Dar also addressed the absence of Afghanistan from the summit, stating that the country’s observer status has been suspended since 2021, and Pakistan cannot unilaterally decide on Afghanistan’s inclusion.
Key issues like North-South and South-South connectivity will be discussed within the SCO framework. Dar emphasized that integration and peace in the region are core objectives of the government, particularly under the leadership of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), which has prioritized these themes in its manifesto.
Responding to claims of diplomatic isolation, Dar pointed to recent high-profile visits, including those of the Malaysian premier and a Saudi delegation, as evidence of Pakistan’s growing role in regional trade and investment. He also highlighted Pakistan’s continued advocacy for Palestine on global platforms and its delivery of humanitarian assistance to the region.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang is expected to be the first to arrive in Islamabad on a four-day visit, leading a delegation for the summit. His visit is seen as crucial for reaffirming the China-Pakistan strategic partnership, particularly in advancing projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Discussions will also encompass economic ties and regional cooperation. Li Qiang will meet Pakistan’s top political, military, and parliamentary leaders during his stay.
The summit is expected to attract approximately 200 delegations from different countries, including India, Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, and Iran. Security measures in Islamabad have been heightened following a recent attack on Chinese engineers in Karachi, with troops deployed to ensure safety during the event.
This summit represents a significant opportunity for Pakistan to boost its diplomatic presence in the region while fostering stronger ties with its SCO counterparts.
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