MoFA advises diplomats to restrict their movement during SCO summit

ISLAMABAD: To ensure the smooth conduct of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised diplomats to limit their movements during the summit, within and outside the city.

In a letter written to envoys, the Foreign Office recommended them to stay within the Diplomatic Enclave and Red Zone areas and follow the official traffic plan during the SCO summit.

Moreover, the federal government deployed troops in Islamabad from October 5 to 17, under Article 245 of the Constitution. The SCO Head of the State meeting is, scheduled to take place in Islamabad, from October 15 to 16.

This year’s SCO summit is significant, as it will bring together major foreign leaders, including Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who will be visiting Pakistan for the first time in nearly a decade.

However, Jaishankar has clarified that his visit is solely for the purpose of attending the SCO summit and not for discussing bilateral relations between India and Pakistan.

The SCO summit is a crucial multilateral platform focused on regional security and collaboration with Central Asian nations, comprising eight member states: India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

During the summit, leaders will discuss key issues such as economic cooperation, combating terrorism, and regional security.

In addition, for diplomats and attendees, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set up a Control Room, operational 24/7, to provide assistance and support throughout the event.

Islamabad traffic police have also devised a traffic plan for the twin cities. Daily traffic updates will also be shared through various channels, including social media handles.