PM Sharif says Pakistan will host upcoming SCO summit

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday announced that Pakistan will host the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad, directing the city administration to begin preparations.

He made the remarks after laying the foundation stone of the T-Chowk Flyover in Rawalpindi.

On September 1, while addressing the SCO summit in Tianjin, the prime minister focused on regional security, counter-terrorism, and Pakistan’s diplomatic priorities.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the premier said the one-kilometre-long flyover, which will link the Islamabad Expressway with surrounding areas, would significantly improve traffic flow and serve the public interest of residents of the twin cities.

Sharif also emphasised the need to beautify Islamabad ahead of the international gathering, while instructing the Ministry of Railways to draw up a plan for connecting Rawalpindi and Islamabad via rail to ease local travel.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who was also present, said the project would be completed within 150 days, with separate teams formed to monitor quality. The prime minister was informed the flyover would cost around Rs1.5 billion.