PTI Protest Threatens SCO Summit Amid Security Buildup

Ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad, Pakistan has implemented strict security measures, including a three-day public holiday, to ensure the safety of the event, which includes the participation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. The summit faces potential disruption from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, which has called for a protest on October 15 coinciding with the summit, demanding access to their incarcerated leader, Imran Khan. The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and various analysts have criticized this move, warning it could harm Pakistan's economic interests and global image. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal condemned the protest as 'political terrorism', emphasizing the importance of the summit for Pakistan's development. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar assured that security arrangements were in place to prevent any disruptions, highlighting the summit's significance for regional cooperation and economic growth. Traders and the business community have urged PTI to reconsider the protest, prioritizing economic diplomacy over political disputes.