Shaken by recent militant attacks, Pakistani authorities have implemented a major security lockdown in the capital ahead of an Asian security group meeting. Islamabad and Rawalpindi are observing a three-day holiday, with troops deployed and key roads blocked to ensure security. The move has caused disruptions, with ambulances facing difficulties in reaching hospitals due to road closures.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, will bring together leaders and officials from member states to discuss security cooperation and economic ties. Established in 2001 by China and Russia, the SCO includes countries like Iran, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
Recent militant attacks in northwest and southwest Pakistan have raised concerns, although security experts believe that Islamabad faces limited threats from militants. The killing of two Chinese engineers in a suicide bombing in Karachi on Oct. 6, claimed by a separatist group, highlighted security risks.
The engineers were part of projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), aimed at enhancing connectivity between western China and Pakistan's Gwadar port. Despite the incident, China's Premier Li Qiang arrived in Islamabad for the SCO meeting and inaugurated a Beijing-funded airport in Balochistan.
In response to threats from the Baloch Liberation Army, Pakistan's military has conducted raids on their hideouts, vowing to eliminate the group in Balochistan and other parts of the country.
