Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Pakistan on Monday for a four-day bilateral visit, which coincides with the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) on October 15 and 16.
As Pakistan prepares to host this high-profile event, stringent security measures have been implemented, including a three-day public holiday in Islamabad with schools and businesses closed.
Premier Li’s visit marks the first by a Chinese premier in 11 years, the last being by Li Keqiang in May 2013. Upon his arrival at Rawalpindi’s Noor Khan Airbase, Li was greeted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and a host of top government officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. A 21-gun salute welcomed the distinguished guest, according to PTV News.
PM Shehbaz expressed his delight at Premier Li’s visit, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that the trip would be “historic and productive,” with a focus on reviewing progress on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and exploring new avenues for bilateral cooperation. He emphasized that the “Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” is crucial for regional stability and prosperity.
According to a statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Premier Li will meet with President Asif Ali Zardari, parliamentary leaders, and senior military officials during his stay. The Foreign Office highlighted the visit as a reflection of the deep ties between Pakistan and China and an opportunity to advance the high-quality development of CPEC and reinforce cooperation on key regional and global issues.
Li is accompanied by senior Chinese officials from the ministries of foreign affairs and commerce, as well as the China International Development Cooperation Agency. His visit comes just days after a suicide attack near Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, which killed two Chinese nationals. In response, PM Shehbaz assured the Chinese government of a thorough investigation into the incident and vowed to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel in Pakistan.
As Pakistan gears up to host the SCO summit, delegations from various member countries, including China, Russia, India, and Iran, have already arrived in Islamabad. The summit is expected to focus on regional cooperation, trade, and financial integrity, with an emphasis on promoting Pakistan as a trade hub for Central Asia. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori both expressed optimism about the summit’s potential to boost Pakistan’s international standing and foster economic development.
PM Shehbaz, who will chair the summit as part of his role in the CHG, emphasized that the event would enhance Pakistan’s image and promote regional prosperity through increased cooperation in areas such as economic integration, digital economy, and cultural exchanges.
The government has called in the Army to provide security for the summit and other key sites in the capital, including the Red Zone. Large contingents of police and paramilitary forces have been deployed to ensure the safety of the international dignitaries attending the event.
