Key Points
- Jaishankar is heading to the SCO summit in Pakistan on October 15-16.
- Security is super tight in Islamabad with army presence.
- Jaishankar has ruled out any talks with Pakistan during his visit.
- Pakistan is ramping up security measures for foreign guests.
- Local protests are planned against the government amid the summit.
Looma News
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is off to Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit starting this Tuesday. He’ll be mingling with leaders like Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Russian PM Mikhail Mishustin, all while Islamabad is on high alert with a hefty security setup.
What’s Happening at the Summit?
Jaishankar is arriving just in time for a welcome dinner hosted by Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif, but don’t hold your breath for any friendly chats between India and Pakistan. Both sides have made it clear there won’t be any formal meetings on the sidelines. Jaishankar himself stated that this trip is strictly for the summit, not for hashing out any India-Pakistan issues.
This summit is a big deal, especially considering the rocky history between the two countries since the 2019 Balakot airstrike. India has repeatedly expressed a desire for normal relations but insists Pakistan must create a terror-free environment first.
Security Concerns
Now, about security: Islamabad has rolled out a major plan, deploying over 9,000 police officers along with the army to keep things safe. They’ve even banned protests in key areas, which is stirring up some tension. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party is planning a protest against restrictions on their jailed leader, Imran Khan, right during the summit!
Overall, it’s a mixed bag as Pakistan gets ready to host this significant international gathering. They’re eager to show they can handle the spotlight, even if some local politics are heating things up. Let’s see how it all plays out.
