Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Pakistan on Monday for a four-day visit, coinciding with the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. Pakistan is set to host the 23rd SCO meeting of the Council of the Heads of Government (CHG) on October 15 and 16, which will take place under heightened security.
In preparation for the event, the Pakistani government has declared a three-day public holiday in Islamabad, shutting down schools and businesses. Additionally, large contingents of police and paramilitary forces have been deployed to ensure safety during the high-level meetings.
This visit marks the first by a Chinese premier to Pakistan in 11 years, with the last one by Li Keqiang in May 2013. Premier Li was warmly received by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at Rawalpindi’s Noor Khan Airbase, where he was honoured with a 21-gun salute, according to reports from PTV News.
The reception was attended by senior government figures, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.
Following Li’s arrival, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed his excitement about the visit and highlighted the significance of the Pakistan-China relationship. He noted that discussions would focus on the progress of existing initiatives, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and explore new avenues for cooperation. Shehbaz reaffirmed the importance of the Pakistan-China “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” for regional stability and prosperity in a statement shared on social media.
During his visit, Premier Li is expected to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, parliamentary leaders, and senior military officials. The Pakistani Foreign Office described the visit as a reflection of the deep ties between the two countries, calling it an opportunity to strengthen mutual support on issues of core interest, advance CPEC development, and exchange views on important regional and global issues.