Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Islamabad on Monday for a four-day bilateral visit, during which he will participate in the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
His visit coincides with Pakistan’s preparations to host the 23rd SCO meeting of the Council of the Heads of Government (CHG) on October 15 and 16, with extensive security measures in place.
The government has declared a three-day public holiday in Islamabad, closing schools and businesses while deploying large numbers of police and paramilitary forces to ensure safety.
According to a statement from the Foreign Office, Premier Li is set to meet with President Asif Ali Zardari, parliamentary leaders, and senior military officials during his stay.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Premier Li Qiang will lead their respective delegations to discuss all aspects of Pakistan-China relations, focusing on economic and trade ties, as well as cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The Foreign Office described this visit as a reflection of the significance both countries place on their “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.”
The statement emphasized that this meeting would allow both sides to reaffirm mutual support on key issues, enhance the quality of CPEC development, and maintain regular communication on important regional and global matters.
Premier Li will be accompanied by various ministers and senior officials, including representatives from the ministries of foreign affairs and commerce, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the China International Development Cooperation Agency.
This visit follows a tragic suicide attack on October 6 near Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, which resulted in the deaths of two Chinese nationals and injuries to 11 others. In light of this incident, Prime Minister Shehbaz assured the Chinese government that he would personally oversee the investigation.
China has expressed its commitment to working with Pakistan to ensure the safety and security of Chinese personnel and projects within the country.
As the current Chair of the CHG, Prime Minister Shehbaz will preside over the upcoming SCO meeting. The Army has been deployed to secure the event, along with key government buildings and the Red Zone, with Rangers already stationed in the capital.
The government expressed its honor in hosting the SCO summit, highlighting its commitment to regional cooperation. The summit aims to enhance regional collaboration, trade, and financial integrity among member states, significantly improving Pakistan’s image and future prospects.
The government hopes that positioning Pakistan as a trade hub for Central Asia will promote economic integration, a digital economy, and cultural exchanges, contributing to regional prosperity and stability.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar reported that preparations for a facilitation center for foreign media covering the summit are complete, ensuring a smooth experience for attendees.
According to a report by Dawn, delegations from various countries have already arrived in Islamabad, including a four-member team from India, 76 delegates from Russia, 15 representatives from China, a two-member team from Iran, and a four-member delegation from Kyrgyzstan. Seven SCO delegates also reached the capital.
China, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan will be represented by their prime ministers, while India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref will also attend. The meeting will also feature participation from Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene of observer state Mongolia and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov of special guest Turkmenistan, according to the Foreign Office statement.
