India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to visit Pakistan on October 15 for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of Government meeting, marking the first visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in ten years. The summit will take place from October 15 to 16, with notable leaders attending, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
Preparations in Pakistan
In preparation for the summit, Pakistan is taking several measures, including imposing a ban on public gatherings and protests to maintain order. The Punjab government has enforced Section 144 in Rawalpindi until October 17, and the Pakistan Army has been deployed in Islamabad to ensure everything is managed properly. Restaurants and cafes will remain closed during the summit for safety reasons.
Jaishankar has clarified that his visit is solely for participation in the SCO and not to discuss India-Pakistan relations. The main objective is to engage as a member of the SCO, rather than to address bilateral issues.
Importance of the SCO
The SCO was established in 2001 to improve political, economic, and security cooperation among its members, which include India, Pakistan, China, and Russia.
Current State of India-Pakistan Relations
The relationship between India and Pakistan is currently not very good, especially following events like the 2019 Balakot airstrike in response to a terrorist attack in Pulwama. India wants to normalize its relations with Pakistan but insists that Pakistan must take strong actions against terrorism within its borders and reconsider its stance on Kashmir.
The Pakistani Foreign Office has stated that Jaishankar’s visit is a positive sign and could be beneficial for India-Pakistan relations.
The SCO summit provides an opportunity for dialogue and cooperation among member countries. Important issues will be discussed during the summit to resolve matters between the countries involved in the SCO.