Chinese Premier Li Qiang is set to arrive in Islamabad today for a four-day visit aimed at deepening economic and trade relations between China and Pakistan. During his stay from October 14 to 17, Li will meet with senior civil and military officials, and also participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, according to state-run media.
The Chinese premier will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, which includes ministers and officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Commerce, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the China International Development Cooperation Agency. Pakistan’s Foreign Office confirmed the visit, emphasizing the importance of China as a regional ally and major investor in Pakistan.
China has invested billions of dollars in Pakistan, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure initiative that connects Pakistan’s ports with Chinese cities to promote regional trade and economic growth.
“At the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chinese Premier Li Qiang will arrive in Islamabad today for a four-day visit,” Radio Pakistan reported. During his visit, Li will lead discussions on economic cooperation, trade, and the continued development of CPEC. The two leaders will also address regional and global issues.
Li’s visit comes shortly after a tragic suicide attack on October 6 near Karachi’s international airport, which resulted in the deaths of two Chinese nationals. The attack was claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group that has frequently targeted Chinese nationals and interests in Balochistan, demanding greater control over the region’s resources. In light of these security concerns, China has consistently urged Pakistan to safeguard its citizens working in the country.
Focus on the SCO Summit
In addition to bilateral talks, Premier Li Qiang will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Council of the Heads of Government (CHG) summit in Islamabad, scheduled for October 15-16. The CHG is the second-highest forum within the SCO, focusing on economic, trade, and financial cooperation among member states.
The summit, held annually, will address key areas of multilateral cooperation and approve the SCO’s budget. This year’s meeting follows Pakistan assuming the rotating chairmanship of the council during the 2023 summit in Bishkek.
Among the international participants expected at the summit are Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko, Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, and Kyrgyz Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov. Other attendees include representatives from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, India, and observers from Mongolia and Turkmenistan.
Premier Li’s visit is seen as an important step toward reinforcing Pakistan’s economic and diplomatic ties with China and strengthening cooperation through the SCO platform.
