October 15, 2024: In a significant diplomatic move, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to arrive in Pakistan today to participate in the 23rd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG). This marks the first high-level visit from India to Pakistan in several years, amidst ongoing tensions between the neighboring countries.

The SCO meeting, taking place in Islamabad under heightened security, will focus on collaboration in areas such as economy, trade, environmental issues, and socio-cultural connections. It will also review the organization’s performance since Pakistan took over the rotating chair for the 2023-24 term during the last meeting in Bishkek in October 2023.

In a related development, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the main opposition party, announced the cancellation of its planned protests scheduled for today, a move seen as an effort to maintain a conducive atmosphere for the summit. The decision reflects a willingness to facilitate the proceedings of the SCO, which brings together multiple member nations to foster dialogue and cooperation.

Upon his arrival in Islamabad, S. Jaishankar is expected to attend a banquet reception hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, welcoming delegates from various SCO member countries.