External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan, for the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). This two-day summit has attracted leaders from member states and is being held under strict security measures. Key routes and businesses in Islamabad and neighboring Rawalpindi have been closed due to security concerns.

The Pakistan Prime Minister's Office (PMO) shared a welcoming video for Jaishankar on its social media platform. This visit marks the first time in nearly nine years that an Indian foreign minister has traveled to Pakistan, amid ongoing tensions between the two countries over the Kashmir issue and concerns about cross-border terrorism.

In light of the summit, Pakistani authorities have implemented extensive security measures to address political unrest and militant violence. Troops have been deployed throughout Islamabad, and hundreds of supporters of imprisoned opposition leader Imran Khan have been arrested. New laws limiting protests have been enforced, although the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party recently canceled a planned demonstration.

To ensure public safety, the Pakistani government declared a three-day public holiday in Islamabad, starting Monday, with schools and businesses closed and a heavy police and paramilitary presence throughout the city. According to the interior ministry, army troops are securing the Red Zone, which includes the parliament, the diplomatic enclave, and key summit venues.

The summit is set to begin with the arrival of delegations on Tuesday, followed by a welcome dinner hosted by the Pakistani Prime Minister. Wednesday's official proceedings will feature remarks from the Prime Minister, document signings, and concluding statements. Leaders are also expected to issue media statements and participate in an official luncheon.

Islamabad was placed under strict security lockdown as Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived for the SCO meeting and a four-day bilateral visit. This is the first visit by a Chinese premier to Pakistan in 11 years, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcoming him at the airport.

During his visit, Premier Li is anticipated to discuss strengthening bilateral relations with key Pakistani leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari. He is also expected to inaugurate the CPEC-funded Gwadar International Airport in Balochistan, a region bordering Afghanistan and Iran.

Among the leaders attending the summit are Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Belarus Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko, Kazakhstan Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Tajik Prime Minister Kohir Rasulzoda, Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Kyrgyzstan’s Chairman of Ministers Cabinet Zhaparov Akylbek, and Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref.

After his arrival in Islamabad, Jaishankar is likely to attend a banquet reception hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. However, both sides have ruled out any bilateral discussions between Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar during the summit.

In August, Pakistan invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the SCO summit, making Jaishankar's visit significant as a notable gesture from India. In a recent address, Jaishankar stated, “Like with any neighbor, India would certainly like to have good relations with Pakistan. But that cannot happen by overlooking cross-border terrorism and indulging in wishful thinking.”

Pakistan took on the rotating chair of the SCO CHG for 2023-24 during the previous meeting held in Bishkek in October 2023. The SCO, founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001, includes Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan as founding members, with India and Pakistan becoming permanent members in 2017.