Islamabad to be beautified for SCO Summit

ISLAMABAD: In preparation for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has directed authorities to enhance the beauty of the federal capital Islamabad and ensure all arrangements are in place for the high-profile event.

During a meeting, Naqvi emphasized the importance of beautifying key areas, particularly the VIP routes.

He instructed that Islamabad be decorated with flowers and fancy lights to present a welcoming image to international delegates.

Leaders from across the Eurasian region, including the Russian and Chinese prime ministers, are expected to attend the two-day summit.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will also travel to Islamabad for the event. This marks the first visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly nine years.

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The minister also ordered strict action against encroachments, ensuring that ongoing operations to clear illegal structures remain uncompromising.

The meeting focused on the overall readiness of the city, including its decoration, security, and logistical arrangements to ensure the success of the summit.

The government has declared a three-day public holiday in Islamabad and Rawalpindi to ensure the smooth conduct of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

The SCO, an influential Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance, was established in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

The organisation has since expanded to include India, Pakistan, and Iran as full members, while Afghanistan, Belarus, and Mongolia hold observer status. The bloc is often seen as a counterbalance to Western alliances like NATO, playing a key role in promoting regional cooperation.