Pakistan Deploys Military for Security During SCO Summit Amid Terror Threats and Political Protests
The Shehbaz Sharif-led government has placed Islamabad and Rawalpindi under military control to manage security for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, scheduled for October 15 and 16. The decision comes in response to recent terrorist incidents and the threat of political unrest sparked by protests from Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. With high-profile foreign delegations, including India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, attending the event, Pakistan has taken stringent steps to ensure the summit proceeds without disruptions.
Military-Led Security Arrangements
To safeguard the summit, 10,000 soldiers and commandos from the Pakistan Army have been deployed across strategic locations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. These military personnel will oversee security operations in both cities, taking over from civilian law enforcement to minimize risks.
Command Shift to Military: Police and other security agencies will now report directly to the military throughout the summit period. This shift ensures more disciplined control in light of heightened security threats.
Temporary Closures: The government has ordered the closure of wedding halls, cafes, restaurants, and snooker clubs from October 12 to 16. This measure aims to restrict public gatherings that could compromise security during the summit.
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Compliance Requirements for Businesses: Traders, hotel owners, and event organizers have been warned about legal consequences if they fail to comply with these directives. All business operators must submit bail bonds as guarantees that no unauthorized outsiders are staying on their premises.
Public Holidays and Restricted Movement
To further secure the region, October 14 and 16 have been declared public holidays in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. This move aims to reduce traffic and public movement, creating a safer environment for the summit delegates and minimizing the risk of clashes or security breaches.
Political Protests Pose Potential Challenges
Despite the heightened security measures, Imran Khan’s PTI party has announced plans to hold protests during the summit, raising concerns about possible confrontations between protesters and security forces. With the military now in charge, there is a significant risk of escalations if demonstrators clash with deployed troops. The government is on high alert to handle any disruptions during the event.
Security Measures Prompted by Recent Terror Attacks
The deployment of the military follows a series of recent terrorist attacks across Pakistan, with intelligence agencies warning about potential threats during the summit. These developments have increased pressure on the government to tighten security, particularly in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, which are now operating under an elevated security status.
Arrival of International Delegations for the SCO Summit
The SCO Summit—a critical diplomatic forum—brings together the heads of government from member states to discuss regional security, economic cooperation, and political developments. Foreign delegations have already started arriving in Islamabad, reinforcing the need for robust security arrangements.
Russian Delegation: A 76-member Russian delegation, along with seven officials from the SCO Secretariat, has arrived to participate in the summit.
India and Other Countries: A four-member Indian delegation, led by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, has landed in Pakistan. Additionally, a 15-member Chinese delegation, a four-member team from Kyrgyzstan, and a two-member Iranian delegation have also reached Islamabad to attend the event.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic and Security Challenge
The SCO Summit is an important opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its diplomatic relevance on the regional stage. However, ongoing political tensions and security challenges threaten to overshadow the event. With the military now managing security operations, Pakistan hopes to prevent disruptions and ensure the safety of both delegates and citizens. Nonetheless, the government faces a delicate balancing act, as PTI protests could lead to clashes, potentially embarrassing the country on an international platform.
The outcome of the summit will not only reflect Pakistan’s ability to manage high-level diplomacy but also test the government’s capacity to maintain law and order amid internal turmoil and external security threats.