Security Preparations for the SCO Summit
Pakistan has chosen to barricade its capital, Islamabad, in preparation for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit on October 15 and 16. The city, along with the neighboring garrison town of Rawalpindi, has been locked down with residents given three days off starting Monday. Thousands of police, paramilitary, and military personnel have been patrolling the deserted streets of the capital in anticipation of the event.
Key Participants and Security Concerns
The presence of the Russian Prime Minister, the Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs – a first since 2015 – and the Chinese Prime Minister, Li Qiang, during his four-day state visit, meant that Pakistan could not afford any mistakes. The country, with a population of 241 million and facing a severe economic crisis, heavily relies on China’s financial support. However, Beijing has expressed impatience over the regular attacks on Chinese nationals in recent years.
SCO and Regional Security Challenges
Established in 2001 by China and Russia to discuss security issues in Central Asia, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization now includes Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Iran, and India. While addressing broader strategic issues, security was a top priority during the summit in Islamabad due to escalating acts of separatist groups in Balochistan and Pakistani Taliban attacks.
Chinese Investment and Concerns
China has designated Pakistan as a key component of its “Belt and Road Initiative” with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a $65 billion project aimed at connecting China’s Xinjiang region to the Arabian Sea. Despite already investing a significant portion, China has slowed down investments due to the instability in Pakistan. The country is working to reassure Beijing amidst growing security concerns.
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