Islamabad, Pakistan - October 13, 2024

Islamabad, Pakistan's capital, has been adorned with lights, flowers, and flags to welcome a high-profile meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Tuesday.

Welcome banners, SCO logos, and floral decorations are visible throughout the city, which has undergone a significant facelift ahead of the two-day gathering.

The 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of SCO Member States will be attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who will also pay an official visit to Pakistan from Monday to Thursday.

India's Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar is also set to attend, marking the first visit by a high-ranking Indian official to Pakistan in nearly a decade.

As part of the preparations, Pakistan's government is implementing special measures, including a three-day public holiday from Monday to Wednesday for residents of Islamabad and neighboring Rawalpindi. Schools will remain closed, giving students an extended weekend.

The local administration is focused on landscaping along major roads and enhancing the aesthetics of the high-security zone where the delegates will be staying.

The government has called for the expedited completion of all ongoing beautification and construction work ahead of the upcoming SCO meeting.

Shotlist:
Islamabad, Pakistan - Oct 13, 2024:
1. Meeting hall of 23rd Meeting of Council of Heads of Government of Member States of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO);
2. Screen showing national flags of member states, logo of SCO;
3. Various of SCO logo on street;
4. Worker putting up welcome banner;
5. Welcome banner;
6. Aiwan-e-Sadr, presidential palace of Pakistan;
7. Street scene, traffic;
8. Floral decoration;
9. Aerial shot of Aiwan-e-Sadr;
10. Aerial shots of streets;
11. Various of workers planting greenery along streets.

[Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]