Islamabad: Pakistan is poised to host the twenty-third meeting of the Council of the Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) next week, announced Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The summit, set to unfold in Islamabad from Tuesday to Wednesday, is expected to draw significant international attention, including a delegation from China arriving a day prior for preliminary discussions.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Deputy PM Dar, in a joint media briefing with Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, confirmed that comprehensive preparations have been completed to ensure the smooth conduct of the SCO summit. Dar emphasized the excellent cooperation among various institutions and departments in finalizing the arrangements.

The Deputy Prime Minister also addressed the geopolitical nuances surrounding the summit, noting that while there has been no formal request for bilateral talks from the Indian External Affairs Minister, the upcoming event has spurred significant political activity within Pakistan. He criticized a local political party’s plans to stage protests in the capital, urging them to reconsider in the national interest.

Highlighting recent diplomatic successes, Dar mentioned fruitful visits by the Malaysian Prime Minister and a Saudi delegation, reinforcing Pakistan’s growing strategic partnerships across the region. Additionally, he and Minister Tarar personally inspected the summit’s logistical setup during a walk along Constitution Avenue in Islamabad, signaling the government’s commitment to ensuring a successful international gathering.