Pakistan Rangers are on high alert in Islamabad as they prepare for potential protests by supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan on October 6, 2024.
As the capital braces for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, authorities are taking stringent measures to ensure security, given the recent surge in militant activities and political instability. Senior officials from India, Russia, and China, including Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, are set to attend the two-day conference starting Tuesday.
The summit's security concerns have been exacerbated by a recent attack on a convoy of Chinese engineers in Karachi, highlighting the risks faced by Chinese nationals in Pakistan. The government has authorized the deployment of troops throughout the summit period. Security analyst Imtiaz Gul, executive director of the Center for Research and Security Studies, emphasized the importance of the event for a country often perceived as unsafe.
The SCO, comprising China, India, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus, with 16 additional observer or dialogue partner countries, aims to discuss security, trade, humanitarian, and cultural issues. While India will send its foreign minister, other member nations are expected to be represented by their heads of government.
Domestic issues, particularly those surrounding former prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, are likely to overshadow the summit. The PTI has threatened protests, following last week's demonstrations that led to a three-day lockdown in Islamabad. Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary criticized the PTI for attempting to portray Pakistan in a negative light.
To minimize disruptions, authorities have declared a three-day public holiday in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with significant road closures. The government quarter hosting the summit has been fortified with manicured lawns and razor wire. Pakistan, facing economic challenges and a rise in militancy, is particularly keen to protect Chinese nationals, who are crucial for infrastructure projects funded by China.
