The Pakistani government announced on Friday that it would deploy the army to maintain law and order during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit (SCO Summit), which Pakistan is hosting for the first time on October 15-16.
According to the notification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the decision to deploy the army is under Article 245 of the Constitution. This allows the government to summon army troops to assist civilian administration in maintaining peace.
The notification confirmed that the army will oversee security at major government buildings and the Red Zone in Islamabad, while paramilitary Rangers are already deployed in the capital. The army will take responsibility to further strengthen security during the summit.
Read More: Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar to Visit Pakistan and Participate in the Upcoming SCO Meeting
Pakistan's Government Finalizes Preparations
The Pakistani government completed preparations for the event, with heads of state and delegations from eight SCO member countries expected to attend. Meanwhile, a comprehensive plan to ensure security during the upcoming meeting of regional leaders has been approved by the Pakistani government.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that additional personnel from the Pakistan Army, Rangers, Frontier Corps (FC), and Punjab Police will be deployed for security duties during the SCO summit.
Foreign Minister to Visit Pakistan
The announcement of army deployment comes when India declared its participation in the summit. India has stated that Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar will visit Pakistan to attend the SCO Council of Heads of Government (SCO-CHG) meeting.
Read More: Incorrect Map of Kashmir Presented... After India's Reprimand, Pakistan Distances From SCO Summit
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "The Foreign Minister will lead our delegation at the SCO summit on October 15 and 16 in Islamabad." However, he did not disclose whether Jaishankar will meet any Pakistani leader. This could be the first visit to Pakistan by an Indian Foreign Minister in nearly a decade. The SCO, established in 2001, aims to enhance political, economic, and security cooperation in the region.
