ISLAMABAD – Authorities have taken stringent security measures in Islamabad for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) conference, which is set to begin today, as all roads leading to the capital city have been closed.
The SCO member states will be represented by prime minister of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as well as First Vice President of Iran and External Affairs Minister of India.
Premier of State Council of China Li Qiang will represent his country.
The prime minister of Mongolia as Observer State and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan as Special Guest will also participate in the meeting.
Due to the SCO conference, hotels and business centers near Nur Khan Air Base and Islamabad Airport are closed.
In light of the strict security measures, all routes to the Red Zone have been closed. Park Road is blocked at the Bani Gala point, and Rawal Dam Chowk is closed from Club Road.
Additionally, Faisal Avenue is blocked at Faizabad, as well as routes from IJP Road to I-8, Kashmir Highway leading to the Convention Center, and routes from Bara Kahu to Murree Road.
Citizens can avoid inconvenience by not travelling on these roads on October 15 and 16.