Russian and Chinese Prime Ministers to Visit Pakistan for High-Level Talks and SCO Summit
Diplomatic sources have confirmed that the Prime Ministers of Russia and China are set to visit Pakistan next week for high-level talks and to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will arrive in Islamabad on October 14, accompanied by a delegation and a large group of Russian journalists. During his visit, Mishustin is expected to meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other senior Pakistani leaders, as reported by Express News. A formal dinner will also be hosted in his honour.
On the same day, Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang will arrive in Pakistan, leading a high-level delegation. Li’s three-day visit will include meetings with Pakistan’s political and military leadership, focusing on bilateral relations, new China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, and the security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan. His visit will culminate in his participation in the SCO summit on October 15-16, where several agreements between the two nations are expected to be signed.
Security Measures Ahead of SCO Summit in Rawalpindi and Islamabad
In preparation for the upcoming SCO summit, authorities in Rawalpindi have imposed Section 144 for eight days, from October 10 to 17, to ensure the safety and security of the event. The restrictions prohibit political gatherings, demonstrations, protests, and other similar activities. Double riding on motorcycles, aerial firing, and the use of drones, laser lights, and pigeon flying have also been banned during this period.
Enhanced security measures have been implemented in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Restaurants, wedding halls, cafes, and snooker clubs in both cities will be closed from October 12 to 16. Cash-and-carry marts have also been shut down, and business owners have been required to submit surety bonds at local police stations.
Commandos and sniper shooters have been deployed on rooftops of multi-story buildings, and a complete ban on pigeon and kite flying has been enforced within a 3-kilometre radius of Noor Khan Chaklala Airbase. Operations to remove pigeon nets from rooftops have been initiated, with female police officers assisting in the process.
Additionally, the government has declared a three-day public holiday in Islamabad and Rawalpindi from October 14 to 16 to facilitate the smooth organisation of the SCO summit. All educational institutions and government offices will remain closed during this period.