October 14, 2024: Islamabad is currently under a stringent security lockdown as Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrives for a heads-of-government meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) later this week. This marks the first visit by a Chinese premier to Pakistan in over a decade, with Premier Li being welcomed at the airport by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

In preparation for the summit, the Pakistani government has declared a three-day public holiday in the capital, resulting in the closure of schools, businesses, and markets. Significant numbers of police and paramilitary forces have been deployed throughout the city.

The security of the capital’s Red Zone, home to the parliament and various embassies, will be managed by the Pakistan army, according to the interior ministry. The heightened security comes in response to recent threats, particularly following the tragic killings of two Chinese engineers and the deaths of 21 miners in violent incidents.

Tensions are further exacerbated by calls from jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan for protests on October 15, aimed at demanding his release and opposing the coalition government.