Islamabad is set to host the 23rd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State, with high-level foreign delegations expected to arrive in the capital today.

The two-day event, to be held at the Jinnah Convention Center on October 16, will bring together leaders from SCO member countries to discuss key regional and international issues.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will host a dinner in honour of the visiting delegations. He will then formally welcome the guests on their arrival at the convention centre. After the arrival of guests, reception and group photos, the conference will formally kick off.

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According to the Foreign Office, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will officially inaugurate the conference with a welcome address, followed by speeches from the heads of foreign delegations.

Later, the event will feature the signing of important documents as part of the meeting's agenda, culminating in concluding remarks from Prime Minister Sharif. A luncheon will also be held in honour of the participants.

At the conclusion of the event, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and the SCO secretary general will address the media to share key outcomes and insights from the conference.

Extensive security measures

To ensure the safety of the visiting dignitaries, Islamabad is under tight security, with 12,674 personnel deployed. This includes 6,963 officers from the Federal Police, 1,500 from the Frontier Corps (FC), 2,000 personnel from the Police Constabulary, and an additional 850 personnel from Sindh Police. The Pakistan Rangers have also allocated 1,361 personnel for security duties.

A total of 607 vehicles have been assigned for the security of VIPs attending the conference, while around 3,000 personnel will be positioned along VIP routes.

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Security around the residences of VIPs will be overseen by 1,783 personnel, and the Jinnah Convention Center will have 444 officers on duty, with another 400 personnel stationed at entry posts into the Red Zone. Additionally, 451 members of the Quick Response Force will monitor checkpoints to ensure immediate action if needed.

The city is fully prepared to ensure the safety and success of this major international event, with security at the forefront of the planning.

On the other hand, most Pakistani ambassadors stationed in SCO member countries have been called to Islamabad, according to sources. The ambassadors were summoned to assist in the coordination and organization of the conference.

Ambassadors from key member states, including China, Russia, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan, have already reached Islamabad. Additionally, Pakistan's head of mission in India is also present in the capital for the high-level discussions.

On Monday, Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang reaffirmed China’s commitment to the development and prosperity of Pakistan, stating that the bond between the two nations is "eternal".

Also Read: PM Li Qiang deems Pakistan's development as top priority for China

Speaking at the virtual inauguration of the New Gwadar International Airport, Li emphasised that the completion of this critical infrastructure project marks a significant milestone under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

In his remarks, Premier Li underscored the importance of Gwadar Airport for enhancing regional connectivity, calling it a "world-class airport" that reflects the strength of the friendship between Pakistan and China.

The inauguration was followed by a signing ceremony where around 13 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between Pakistan and China were formalised. These agreements include advancements in smart classrooms, cooperation in water resources, and enhanced collaboration in information and communication technology (ICT).