Pakistani leaders to meet Russian, Chinese counterparts on SCO sidelines

The Pakistani government has enforced section 144 in Rawalpindi for eight days to ensure security during the summit.

The Prime Ministers of Russia and China are scheduled to visit Pakistan next week for high-level talks and to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, diplomatic sources confirmed.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will arrive in Islamabad on 14 October, accompanied by a delegation and a large contingent of Russian journalists.

During his visit, Mikhail Mishustin is expected to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other senior Pakistani leaders, as reported by Express news.

A formal dinner will be hosted in his honour.

On the same day, Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang will also arrive in Pakistan with a high-level delegation.

Li's three-day visit will include discussions 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 with his participation in the SCO summit on 15 and 16 October, where multiple agreements are expected to be signed between the two nations.

Section 144 imposed in rawalpindi for eight days ahead of SCO summit

Authorities in Rawalpindi have imposed section 144 for eight days, effective from October 10 to 17, in preparation for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

The decision aims to ensure the safety and security of the event.

According to the Interior Department spokesman, the restrictions will prohibit all forms of political gatherings, demonstrations, protests, and similar activities in the city.

Additionally, double riding on motorcycles and aerial firing will also be banned during this period.

The enforcement of section 144 also includes a ban on pigeon flying, drone usage, and the use of laser lights.

This measure was implemented at the request of the district administration, with law enforcement personnel exempted from the restrictions.

The SCO summit is scheduled to take place in Islamabad on October 15 and 16, with officials aiming to maintain a secure environment throughout the event.

Enhanced security measures for SCO summit

Yesterday, a decision was made to tighten security in the twin cities ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, scheduled for October 15 and 16 in Islamabad.

An order was issued to close restaurants, wedding halls, cafes, and snooker clubs in Islamabad and Rawalpindi for five days.

From October 12 to 16, cash-and-carry marts across the city remained completely closed, with Station House Officers (SHOs) collecting guarantee bonds from owners, who were summoned to police stations to fill out surety bonds.

Due to the summit, suspects at Adiala Jail were not presented in court for five days. Courts rescheduled all important cases for hearing after October 16.

In addition, commandos and sniper shooters were deployed on the rooftops of multi-story buildings throughout the city.

A complete ban on pigeon and kite flying was imposed within a 3-kilometre radius around Noor Khan Chaklala Airbase.

Operations to demolish pigeon nets on rooftops began, with female police assisting in removing 38 rooftop pigeon nets.

The District Officer for Civil Defence stated that all pigeon nets would be cleared by Friday, October 11.

Previously, the government announced a three-day public holiday in Islamabad and Rawalpindi to ensure the smooth organisation of the SCO summit.

The notification, released on Monday, confirmed the closure of all educational institutions and government offices from October 14 to 16.