Lockdown in Islamabad: Schools Closed, Weddings Banned Amid Security for SCO Summit with Leaders from China, Russia, and India
The Pakistani government, led by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, has placed Islamabad under a strict security lockdown as Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrives for a four-day visit. Li will preside over the 23rd regional summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), marking the first visit by a Chinese premier to Pakistan in 11 years. The summit, scheduled for October 15 and 16, will bring together nine member countries, including India, China, Russia, and Iran.
SCO Summit Participants and Key Discussions
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, established in 2001 by China and Russia, focuses on addressing security concerns in Central Asia and the wider region. The heads of government from China, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran's vice president will join India’s external affairs minister for this high-level meeting. The focus will be on regional cooperation, security, and economic development.
Pakistan Enforces Strict Security Measures
In preparation for the summit, Pakistan has ramped up security across Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The government announced a public holiday from October 14 to 16, closing schools, colleges, and businesses. Wedding ceremonies and social gatherings in wedding halls, cafes, restaurants, and snooker clubs have also been banned during this period. A large contingent of police and paramilitary forces, including 10,000 soldiers and commandos from the Pakistan Army, has been deployed to maintain law and order.
Government Issues Public Warnings
The government has issued a stern warning to business owners and hotel operators, instructing them to close their establishments and refrain from allowing outsiders to stay. Legal consequences will follow if these directives are not adhered to. In addition to the lockdown, public holidays were declared in Islamabad and Rawalpindi to reduce movement and ensure security during the summit.
Potential Protests Amid Security Lockdown
Despite the stringent measures, the political opposition led by Imran Khan's Tehreek-e-Insaf party has announced plans to hold protests during the summit, raising concerns over possible clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
What is the SCO Summit?
The 23rd meeting of the heads of government of the SCO member states is set to take place on October 15 and 16 in Islamabad. As foreign delegations began arriving, including a 76-member Russian delegation and representatives from SCO nations, the security arrangements have been further tightened to ensure the safety of the international leaders attending the summit.
