SCO Summit: Pakistan's Move To Deploy Army For Security Draws Comparisons With Delhi Police

Islamabad: The Pakistan government has issued a notification regarding deploying the Army for VVIP security ahead of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit. The international summit, scheduled to take place in Islamabad, will host six heads of state from various countries including India’s Foreign Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, who will likely visit Pakistan .

While the Pakistan government’s move appears to ensure heightened security for the high-profile international event, the order to deploy the Army has raised questions about the capabilities of Pakistan 's police forces. The decision to bring in the Army for security has drawn comparisons with the Delhi Police, who successfully handled security for the G20 summit in India last year.

Pakistan's Interior Ministry Ordered Deployment of Army For Security

The Interior Ministry of Pakistan ordered the deployment of requisite strength of the Pakistan Army in aid of civil power from October 5th to 17th, to maintain the law and order situation with respect to the meeting of SCO Council of heads of government and VVIP delegations on October 23rd.

Social media is abuzz with discussions highlighting the contrast between India and Pakistan’s approaches to security arrangements. It is being pointed out that when the Delhi Police managed to secure the G20 summit, which saw the attendance of numerous dignitaries from around the world, without the need for Army deployment, Pakistan needed to opt for the Army’s deployment to secure the SCO Summit, which will host a relatively smaller number of heads of state.

This development has sparked a debate about the effectiveness and preparedness of Pakistan's police forces in handling high-security events. While some argue that the Army's deployment is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of VVIPs, others see it as a reflection of the police's limitations in dealing with such events.

As the SCO Summit approaches, all eyes are on Pakistan's security arrangements, and the performance of both the Army and police forces will be closely watched. 

Pakistan Hosting 2024 SCO Summit Under Rotation Policy

The SCO, comprising India, China, Russia, Pakistan and others, is an important Eurasian political, economic and security alliance founded in 2001 by China, Russia and other central Asian nations. The summit is a crucial multilateral platform, primarily for regional security and collaboration with Central Asian nations.

Pakistan is hosting the 2024 SCO Council of Heads of Government summit in Islamabad under its rotating chairmanship of the organization, with the participants expected to discuss issues related to trade, economic cooperation, security, and regional stability. Among other international leaders, Pakistan also extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi , though the delegation from New Delhi will be spearheaded by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.