Imran Khan’s party has announced its decision to protest at Islamabad’s D-Chowk on October 15—the day the country would host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in the federal capital—to seek the incarcerated former prime minister’s release.

“We announce the cancellation of the protest in the districts of Punjab in view of the preparations for the peaceful protest of D-Chowk on October 15,” the PTI said in a statement on X after the party’s political committee meeting on Friday.

Pakistan is set to host a two-day SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad on October 15 and 16, with leaders from the bloc attending the event.

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will also visit the country to participate in the summit.

Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang would also arrive in Pakistan where a MoU is expected to be signed for the reprofiling of debt related to power projects amounting to $15.4 billion under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

The SCO, which includes India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, is a significant economic and security bloc that has become one of the largest trans-regional international organizations.

The government has already deployed army troops in the federal capital to maintain order ahead of the SCO summit.

In addition to the high-profile leaders, around 900 delegations will be present in Islamabad for the event. Approximately 200 members of the international media, including representatives from Indian media outlets, are expected to cover the conference.

The decision on the pro-Khan protest was due by October 14 when the party’s demonstrations in Punjab were about to conclude.

“On October 14, before the culmination of protests, we will release our programme for new protests. Most probably it will be nationwide and not just limited to cities,” PTI leader Raoof Hassan said while appearing on News Insight with Amir Zia which was aired on Aaj News on Tuesday.

In the social media post, the party instructed all organisational officials and wings to finalise the preparations for the D-Chowk protest.

“Imran Khan’s life, health and safety have been deprived of all his basic and human rights in order to deliberately expose him to serious threats,” it said and accused the government of being engaged in conspiracies to endanger the former prime minister’s security.

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“If the usurping rulers do not immediately restore the basic rights of Imran Khan, unjustly imprisoned in Adiala, and restore full access to his lawyers, doctors, family members and leaders, then the whole of Pakistan will come out on October 15 for a full protest,” the PTI said.

The party thanked its supporters for coming out for protests in Sahiwal and Multan. It also demanded the release of detained workers, officials, citizens and members of the provincial assembly from across Punjab.

Khan’s party also wants an end to raids and round-ups by the governments of Punjab and the federal government.

PM Shehbaz warns ‘disrupters’

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Islamabad to assess preparations for the upcoming SCO summit.

Officials briefed him on the reception arrangements for the attending guests. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accompanied him.

Tarar assured that Islamabad has been made completely secure to host the 12 heads of government. He warned potential disruptors, stating, “Those with a mindset to conspire against the country should stay home, as no miscreant will be allowed to interrupt the SCO conference.”

He dismissed concerns raised by the PTI, asserting that the security measures in place ensure the event will proceed smoothly, enhancing Pakistan’s prestige and international image.

All security arrangements have been finalised, with law enforcement agencies deployed throughout the city. Tarar mentioned that Islamabad has been decorated to create a positive impression on the visiting delegations. He expressed confidence that the SCO summit would be a significant success for Pakistan and foster regional cooperation on critical issues.