Islamabad (TDI): Foreign dignitaries started arriving in Islamabad for preliminary session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit as Pakistan is hosting the 23rd summit of the bloc on Oct 15 and 16.
A four-member delegation from India arrived in Islamabad and its foreign minister S. Jaishankar will represent India during the Summit.
However it has yet to be cleared as Jaishankar has accompanied the delegates from his country or he will arrive once the SCO formally meet.
At least 76 delegates from Russia, 15 from China, a two-member team of representatives from Iran and a four-member delegation from Kyrgyzstan reached Islamabad on Sunday.
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According to the daily ‘Dawn’, seven delegates of SCO has also arrived in Islamabad. More delegates are expected today.
Personnel of the Pak Army along with Rangers and police are providing security to the international event. Military is also overseeing security of key government buildings and Red Zone besides keeping eye on overall security.
The government deployed over 10,000 police and Rangers personnel for the security of about 900 delegates.
In view of the sensitive matters and security, the metro bus service in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi will remain suspended during the summit.
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The government has already announced three-day holidays for public offices, institutions, and commercial centers in the capital city.All marriage halls will also remain closed to ensure smooth proceedings of the summit.
Officials said on Sunday all arrangements had been made to host the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of SCO meeting in Pakistan.
Besides the SCO meeting bilateral talks among various countries are also expected. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that certain countries excluding India had requested for bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the CHG-SCO which were finalized.
