Pakistan Hosts Security Meeting Amid Insurgent Threats

Pakistan is implementing extensive security measures in Islamabad ahead of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, which will include leaders from China and India. Recent militant attacks, including a suicide bombing that killed Chinese engineers and assaults on foreign diplomats, have raised concerns about the government's ability to ensure safety during the meeting. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and the Pakistani Taliban pose significant threats, with the BLA targeting Chinese nationals and intensifying its operational capabilities in Balochistan. While Pakistani officials claim to have thwarted various attacks through intelligence operations, the frequency of violence suggests a lack of control. Observers note that the government's challenge is to host the summit without incident and restore confidence in its security measures. The situation highlights a broader struggle within Pakistan to manage escalating insurgent violence while hosting high-profile diplomatic events.