Foreign Diplomats in Pakistan Face Mobility Restrictions Ahead of Key SCO Meeting

In light of security concerns, the Pakistani government has imposed restrictions on the movements of foreign diplomats ahead of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of Government Council meeting scheduled for October 15-16 in Islamabad, according to media reports.

The Council, the SCO’s second-highest decision-making body, will see participation from various high-profile leaders, including Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Due to recent attacks targeting foreign nationals, local security agencies are on high alert, prompting the Foreign Office to implement travel limitations within and outside the city.

While the Foreign Office has refrained from disclosing specific details regarding the restrictions, authorities have stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of all summit participants and foreign residents. Sources indicate that diplomats have been advised to remain confined to the Diplomatic Enclave unless attending essential official functions. One anonymous diplomat remarked, “We have been instructed to stay within the Diplomatic Enclave unless we have critical official engagements.”

To bolster security in Islamabad from October 5 to 17, the government has deployed military personnel under Article 245 of the Constitution. Access to the Red Zone, where the summit will be held, is heavily controlled, given that this area houses foreign embassies, key government buildings, and other sensitive locations. Security officials are resolute in their efforts to prevent any incidents during the event.