Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Pakistan on Monday for a four-day bilateral visit, during which he will participate in the highly anticipated Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

This visit coincides with Pakistan’s preparations to host the 23rd SCO meeting of the Council of the Heads of Government (CHG) on October 15 and 16, under strict security protocols.

In light of the summit, the government has declared a three-day public holiday in Islamabad, leading to the closure of schools and businesses, while significant numbers of police and paramilitary forces have been deployed.

Li’s trip marks the first visit by a Chinese premier to Pakistan in 11 years, the last being by Li Keqiang in May 2013.

Upon his arrival at Rawalpindi’s Noor Khan Airbase, the distinguished Chinese leader was greeted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and honored with a 21-gun salute. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and other senior government officials were also in attendance.

Shortly after Li’s arrival, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed his pleasure in welcoming his Chinese counterpart and anticipated a “historic and productive visit.”

“We will assess the progress of ongoing initiatives, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), while also seeking new opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration. The Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership is fundamental to regional stability and prosperity,” he stated on X.

A statement from the Foreign Office indicated that Premier Li is scheduled to meet with President Asif Ali Zardari, as well as engage with parliamentary leaders and senior military officials in the country.

The Foreign Office described the visit of the Chinese official as a reflection of the significance both Pakistan and China place on their “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.”

“This visit will provide an opportunity for both parties to reaffirm their mutual support on key issues, promote the high-quality development of CPEC, and enhance regular dialogue on significant regional and global matters,” the statement noted.

Premier Li will be joined by various ministers and senior officials, including representatives from the foreign affairs and commerce ministries, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the China International Development Cooperation Agency, as stated by the Foreign Office.

On Sunday, Tarar informed the media that the Chinese premier might officially launch operations at the $200 million Gwadar International Airport.

Li’s visit follows closely after the suicide bombing on October 6 near Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, which resulted in the deaths of two Chinese nationals and injuries to 11 others, including another Chinese citizen.

In response to China’s call for a comprehensive investigation into the attack, Prime Minister Shehbaz pledged to personally oversee the inquiry.

On Thursday, China announced its commitment to collaborate with Pakistan to ensure the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions within the country.

As reported by Dawn, a four-member delegation from India, 76 delegates from Russia, 15 representatives from China, a two-member team from Iran, and a four-member delegation from Kyrgyzstan arrived in Islamabad on Sunday.

Additionally, seven delegates from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) also reached the capital.

India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, who is set to participate in the summit, has indicated that he will refrain from discussing bilateral relations during his visit, marking the first such engagement in nearly a decade.

China, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan will be represented by their prime ministers, while Iran’s First Vice President, Mohammad Reza Aref, is also set to attend the event.

Additionally, PM Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene from observer state Mongolia and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov from special guest Turkmenistan will participate in the meeting, as stated by the Foreign Office.

Stage Prepared for SCO

As the current Chair of the CHG, Prime Minister Shehbaz will lead the forthcoming SCO meeting.

Security measures have been implemented, with the Army assigned to safeguard the event, key government facilities, and the Red Zone. Rangers have already been stationed throughout the capital.

Earlier today, the government expressed its pride in hosting the SCO summit, emphasizing its dedication to regional collaboration.

The summit is set to concentrate on strengthening regional cooperation, trade, and financial integrity among member nations, which will significantly enhance Pakistan’s reputation and future opportunities.

By establishing Pakistan as a trade hub for Central Asia, the summit seeks to encourage economic integration, promote a digital economy, and facilitate cultural exchanges, thereby contributing to regional prosperity and stability.

Tarar mentioned that he has assessed the preparations for a facilitation center dedicated to foreign media attending the global summit.

“I am pleased to confirm that all arrangements are finalized to provide comprehensive support and ensure a seamless experience for all participants during the SCO,” he stated in a post on X.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz remarked that the objectives of poverty alleviation and economic advancement would be achieved through collaborative efforts, as reported by PTV News.

CM Maryam emphasized that the summit would serve as a transformative event for Pakistan.

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori expressed optimism that the gathering would create new opportunities for strengthening ties with allied nations.

In an interview with Geo News, PPP Senator Sherry Rehman pointed out that the SCO summit presents Pakistan with a chance to establish itself as a vital connectivity hub amid the evolving landscape of global trade and Middle Eastern relations.

“I believe we are beginning to gain momentum,” she stated.

When questioned about the potential US perspective on the summit, particularly with the presence of competing superpowers China and Russia, Rehman suggested that the US likely does not perceive any significant threat.

“I don’t believe that the SCO or our hosting of it poses a challenge to the US. We maintain a relationship with them as a non-NATO ally, and it’s not a situation where friendship with one nation necessitates hostility towards another,” she explained.

Rehman also pointed out that the US has its own regional alliances, such as the Quad and NATO, and acknowledged the rising influence of Eurasia and Asia as emerging powers, especially regarding economic development.