Red carpet rolled out amid tight security

Extraordinary security measures have been finalized for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, in collaboration with multiple agencies, including the Army, Rangers, Frontier Corps, and provincial police, officials said on Sunday.

As part of these security measures, all wedding halls, snooker clubs, business centers, gyms, and other crowded markets along the routes of the foreign dignitaries' movements will be closed from October 12 to 16.

The Inspector General (IG) of the Islamabad Police told a press conference that the ICT police had developed an "integrated security strategy" for the event. "Search and information-based operations are ongoing to ensure full security for all foreign guests," IG Ali Nasir Rizvi said.

In Rawalpindi, from October 12-16, all wedding halls, gyms, hotels, and snooker clubs within the vicinity of Nur Khan Airbase and Islamabad International Airport have been closed. Heavy traffic had also been banned in Rawalpindi-Islamabad. Authorities also shut the Metro bus service from October 14 to 16.

Business owners near the routes of the foreign delegates had been asked to submit surety bonds to prevent any suspicious individuals from finding refuge in these establishments. Police sources said steps were taken to ensure safe passage from Nur Khan Airbase and Islamabad Airport to the federal capital.

The sources told The Express Tribune that comprehensive security arrangements had been put in place for the high-level SCO summit. The police from eight different police stations adjacent to the VIP routes had begun operations in their respective areas. Sharpshooters will also be deployed on high-rise buildings.

"We are utilising all available resources to guarantee the safety of guests arriving from abroad, with ongoing search operations in areas surrounding the Nur Khan Airbase and Islamabad International Airport," a Rawalpindi police spokesperson stated.

"Any suspicious individuals will be immediately detained and transferred to police stations," he continued. All roads and areas surrounding Nur Khan Air Base have been declared no-go zones for three days, added the sources.

Ahead of the event, two full dress rehearsals were conducted at the Nur Khan Air Base ahead of the arrival of dignitaries. The rehearsals, held in Friday night and Saturday afternoon, focused on the reception and departure procedures for the visiting delegations under stringent security measures.

Security, particularly for the Chinese and Indian delegations, has been intensified, with foolproof measures in place to ensure the safety of all attendees. The highest level of security was displayed, particularly for the Chinese delegation, the sources said.

The Nur Khan Air Base has been elegantly decorated with a red carpet rolled out in preparation for the guests' arrival from Monday afternoon. Fifty students from a private school in Rawalpindi have been specially selected to present welcome bouquets to the distinguished visitors.

In Islamabad, IG Rizvi said that security duties had been finalised at various venues, airports, routes, funnel areas, hotels, and residences of delegations. "The Islamabad Police have deployed 93% of its force for the security arrangements, totalling over 9,500 officers and personnel," he added.

An integrated traffic plan had also been prepared to minimise difficulties for citizens during the event. "The presence of these security forces aims to convey to our guests that Islamabad is a safe and protected city," he added. He appealed to the public to cooperate to ensure success of the summit. (WITH INPUT FROM APP)