India’s Minister for External Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, has made a significant visit to Pakistan, marking the first such official trip in nearly ten years. This visit coincides with the commencement of the 23rd summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Islamabad, which is scheduled to take place later today.
The SCO is a vital regional group that includes major players such as China, India, Russia, and Pakistan, among others. Pakistan became a full member during the 2017 summit held in Kazakhstan, where former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed hopes for mending ties with India. The current summit will be presided over by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is serving as the Chair of the Council of the Heads of Government.
Upon arriving at Islamabad International Airport just before 3:30 PM, Jaishankar was warmly welcomed by Pakistani officials, as shown on state-run PTV. However, the Indian minister has indicated that he would not engage in discussions regarding bilateral relations during this visit. His primary role is to represent India at the summit, with the Indian foreign ministry confirming the country’s ongoing active participation in the SCO framework.
While Jaishankar’s stay is expected to be brief—reportedly lasting no more than 24 hours—other prominent leaders are also attending the summit. Notably, Chinese Premier Li Qiang will be present, marking the first visit of a Chinese premier to Pakistan in over a decade. Additionally, other member countries, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, will be represented by their prime ministers.
Security measures have been intensified in Islamabad as high-profile officials gather for the summit. The military has been deployed to ensure a secure environment, especially around key government buildings and the Red Zone. More than 10,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been mobilized to maintain order for the anticipated 900 delegates, with numerous businesses temporarily closed in the capital for safety reasons.
The summit promises to be a significant event, with a busy agenda planned for tomorrow, including opening remarks by Prime Minister Shehbaz, group photos, and the signing of various documents, underscoring the SCO’s commitment to enhancing regional cooperation.
