Islamabad: The Senate received a briefing today on the ongoing preparations for hosting the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting slated for October. The session covered various aspects of the preparations, including renovations at the Convention Center, which is expected to serve as the venue.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar outlined the scope of the upcoming meeting during Question Hour. He highlighted that the summit aims to adopt a Joint Communiqué that will address priority areas such as economic cooperation, trade, investment, technology, transport, connectivity, climate change, public health, cultural exchange, poverty alleviation, and youth empowerment. Tarar also noted that new initiatives proposed by SCO-member countries would be discussed.

Further details provided by the Minister included the commencement of construction on the one thousand-bed Jinnah Medical Complex in Islamabad, aimed at enhancing healthcare facilities and alleviating pressure on existing infrastructure. The project, with a budget of fifteen billion rupees, is expected to be completed within three years, with five billion rupees allocated for this fiscal year.

In a related development, the Senate passed a resolution moved by Poonjo Bheel on the occasion of Defence and Martyrs Day, paying tribute to the martyrs and heroes who have contributed to the nation’s security. The resolution recognized the enduring bravery and sacrifice of Pakistan’s armed forces.

The session concluded with the announcement that the House would reconvene on Monday at five pm.