Dar reviews SCO summit preparations

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reviewed preparations for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit set to take place in Islamabad next year. A delegation of SCO national coordinators and officials called on Dar at the Foreign Ministry office on Wednesday, expressing satisfaction with the arrangements and emphasizing the importance of close coordination among government departments.

Dar highlighted Pakistan's commitment to successfully hosting the SCO Summit and stressed the importance of high standards for this significant multilateral forum. Meanwhile, the SCO national coordinators, who traveled to Islamabad for the inaugural meeting of the Council of National Coordinators, led by Pakistan's national coordinator, also met with Dar.

The SCO national coordinators reiterated their dedication to SCO goals and advancing the organization's objectives through continued engagement and practical cooperation. In response to criticism of the government's decision to purchase 45 bulletproof vehicles for SCO heads of state, the government defended its choice, stating that it was necessary to ensure the safety of foreign dignitaries.

The Cabinet Division explained that the government possessed only a limited number of outdated bulletproof vehicles, making it essential to procure new ones to meet the required safety standards. Approximately 45 new bulletproof vehicles will be purchased, while 300 non-bulletproof vehicles will be rented for the duration of the summit.

The government emphasized that the summit would feature high-profile foreign dignitaries, including heads of state, government officials, and representatives from international organizations, making it crucial to maintain robust security measures aligned with standard security protocols.