Islamabad, Oct 11 (UNI) Flagging security concerns, Pakistan’s government has restricted the mobility of foreign diplomats ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) Heads of Government Council meeting next week, media reports said.
The CHG, the second highest forum in the SCO, will convene in Islamabad on October 15 and 16, Dawn reported.
The Foreign Office has issued limitations that apply both within the city and outside of it, as security authorities are on high alert following previous attacks on foreign nationals.
The Foreign Office declined to comment on the exact restrictions, but security authorities emphasised that they are required to safeguard the safety of all participants and other foreigners in the nation.
According to diplomatic sources, the new restrictions have limited their travel to the Diplomatic Enclave for personal reasons. Diplomats are only authorised to leave the enclave for official business. “We have been advised to remain within the Diplomatic Enclave unless we are attending critical official engagements,” said one diplomat, who requested anonymity.
The Foreign Office declined to comment on the exact restrictions, but security authorities emphasised that they are required to safeguard the safety of all participants and other foreigners in the nation.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Iranian first vice president Reza Aref, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and other member-state leaders are also attending the SCO summit. Security officials are consequently determined to avoid any disturbances.
From October 5 to 17, the government deployed army personnel under Article 245 of the Constitution to improve security in Islamabad.
Access to the Red Zone, where the summit venue is located, is severely limited. This region contains foreign embassies, important government buildings, and other sensitive sites.
