Pakistan Hosts Major Security Meeting Amid Rising Violence

Pakistan is hosting a crucial security meeting this week, with leaders from China and India in attendance, as the nation grapples with escalating insurgent violence, VOA reported yesterday.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting, starting Tuesday, aims to address security concerns, but recent attacks, including a bombing near the capital and assaults on Chinese nationals, underscore Pakistan’s precarious situation.

The Baloch Liberation Army’s increasing audacity and the ongoing threat from the Pakistani Taliban raise doubts about the government’s ability to maintain security. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb reported daily economic losses exceeding $684 million due to recent unrest, further complicating the situation.

In preparation for the meeting, authorities declared a three-day holiday and imposed restrictions across Islamabad, aiming to ensure safety. Analysts believe this event is crucial for Pakistan to regain international legitimacy and improve its image, especially in light of its economic reliance on foreign support and the need for stability amid domestic challenges.