SCO Leaders Gather for Summit in Islamabad

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Islamabad has attracted leaders from multiple member states, including seven prime ministers and officials from China, India, and Iran, amid heightened security due to recent violent attacks in Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will chair the two-day summit, which aims to enhance cooperation in trade, security, and cultural links among member states. The event, marked by a significant police presence and a lockdown in the capital, underscores the precarious security environment after recent assaults, including the Baloch Liberation Army's attacks on Chinese nationals and miners. While bilateral talks between Pakistan and India are not anticipated, this summit marks the first visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly a decade. Observers suggest that the SCO seeks to bolster regional influence against Western dominance. The summit will conclude with the adoption of key decisions and the approval of the organization's budget for the upcoming year.