Pakistan Hosts 23rd SCO Summit Amidst Tight Security

The 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit is set to take place in Islamabad, Pakistan, on October 15-16, under stringent security measures, with over 10,000 law enforcement personnel deployed. Leaders from SCO member states, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, and Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, will attend the summit, which aims to enhance regional economic cooperation and socio-cultural ties. The event is significant for Pakistan as it presides over the summit as the current Chair of the Council of Heads of Government. Security concerns are heightened following a recent attack on Chinese engineers in Karachi, prompting the government to enforce strict measures, including restrictions on protests and troop deployments. The summit agenda includes discussions on trade, environment, and regional security, and is seen as an opportunity for Pakistan to strengthen diplomatic ties with regional powers.