ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inspected late on Friday arrangements in Islamabad for an upcoming summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on October 15-16, Pakistani state media reported.
The SCO is an important Eurasian political, economic and security alliance founded in 2001 by China, Russia and several Central Asian nations. Over the years, it expanded to include countries like India and Pakistan, making it a significant regional bloc.
Pakistan is hosting the SCO Council of Heads of Government summit in Islamabad under its rotating chairmanship of the organization, with the participants expected to discuss issues related to trade, economic cooperation, security, and regional stability.
Sharif, accompanied by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and other officials, visited various areas of the Pakistani capital Friday night, where he was briefed on preparations for the two-day conference.

“All preparations for hosting the SCO meeting are complete,” Tarar, who described it as a “great honor” for Pakistan, was quoted as saying by the state-run Radio Pakistan broadcaster.
“Pakistan is looking forward to warmly welcome esteemed heads of government and dignitaries.”
The information minister said that law enforcement agencies were on high alert to ensure the security of the summit, adding that PM Sharif personally reviewed the arrangements to guarantee a hospitable reception.
Among other international leaders, Pakistan also extended invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, though the delegation from New Delhi will be spearheaded by External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

Founded in 2001, the SCO is a major trans-regional organization spanning South and Central Asia, with China, Russia, Pakistan, India, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan as its permanent members. The SCO member states collectively represent nearly half of the world’s population and a quarter of global economic output.
The organization’s agenda of promoting peace and stability, and seeking enhanced linkages in infrastructure, economic, trade and cultural spheres, is aligned with Pakistan’s own vision of enhancing economic connectivity as well as peace and stability in the region.

Since becoming an SCO member in 2017, Pakistan has consistently and constructively worked to strengthen good neighborly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation among SCO member states. Hosting of SCO summit in Islamabad also reflects the abiding commitment of Pakistan to the purposes and principles of the SCO charter and the values of the Shanghai spirit.