Islamabad: A Tense Prelude to the SCO Summit
As Islamabad gears up for the 23rd meeting of the Council of the Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), the political landscape in Pakistan has been marked by tension and negotiations. On Tuesday, the main opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), called off its planned protest, a decision that came just ahead of the high-profile summit. The protest was initially intended to demand a meeting with the party’s jailed leader, Imran Khan, but was averted following government assurances regarding his medical care.
The Significance of the SCO Meeting
The two-day SCO summit, which commenced under tight security, is set to address critical issues concerning ongoing cooperation among member states in various fields, including economy, trade, environment, and socio-cultural linkages. The meeting is particularly significant as Pakistan has assumed the rotating chair of the SCO Council of Heads of Government for the 2023-24 term, a role it took on during the previous meeting in Bishkek in October 2023.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to chair the meeting, which will see participation from prominent leaders, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Belarus Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko, and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, among others. This gathering underscores the importance of regional collaboration and the potential for addressing shared challenges among member states.
Political Tensions and Protest Dynamics
The decision by PTI to call off its protest was a pivotal moment in the lead-up to the SCO summit. The party had initially planned to mobilize supporters in Islamabad to demand access to Imran Khan, who has been incarcerated in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi. The government had previously restricted all forms of meetings with inmates, including Khan, which prompted the PTI to escalate its demands.
Late Monday night, after extensive negotiations, the government assured PTI that a medical team would be allowed to meet Khan. This assurance played a crucial role in diffusing the situation, as PTI’s international spokesman, Zulfiqar Bukhari, confirmed the decision to postpone the protest. He noted that the party was also influenced by appeals from political allies and friendly embassies, emphasizing the international norm of allowing protests during significant global events.
Security Measures and Government Response
In anticipation of potential unrest, the government implemented stringent security measures across Islamabad and neighboring Rawalpindi. Approximately 10,000 police personnel were deployed, supported by paramilitary rangers and regular army troops. The government also declared a three-day official leave in the capital to minimize disruptions during the conference and imposed Section 144, which prohibits gatherings in the twin cities.
The government’s firm stance on maintaining order was evident, as officials warned that any protests would be dealt with decisively. This approach reflects the delicate balance the government seeks to maintain between ensuring security for the SCO summit and addressing the political grievances of the opposition.
Conclusion
As Islamabad prepares for the SCO summit, the interplay of political dynamics and security concerns highlights the complexities of governance in Pakistan. The decision by PTI to call off its protest may have averted immediate unrest, but it underscores the ongoing tensions within the political landscape. The outcomes of the SCO meeting could have far-reaching implications for regional cooperation and Pakistan’s role within the organization, making it a pivotal moment in the country’s political and diplomatic journey.