Supporters of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaf (PTI) party on Friday gathered at D-Chowk, a prominent square in Islamabad, the country's capital, to protest and demand Khan's release from prison, where he has been held for over a year.
In light of the planned march, the government has implemented stringent measures to prevent the gathering, especially with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in the capital for bilateral discussions and the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting on October 15-16. Authorities have deployed approximately 6,000 security personnel and erected around 300 shipping containers at key entry points to restrict access to the city.
The situation remains tense as thousands of PTI supporters allegedly continue to make their way to Islamabad from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which is located in the northwestern region of the country, while authorities have enforced road closures on major motorways and established diversions to obstruct access to the capital.
More than 400 PTI workers have been arrested amid intensified raids in Islamabad and the nearby city of Rawalpindi. Additionally, the capital administration has imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which bans public gatherings for six days to thwart further protests. As the situation remains fraught, schools, businesses and government offices have been closed across the country.
In recent weeks, the PTI has organized numerous rallies nationwide, protesting the detention of its founder and the delays by the Election Commission of Pakistan in executing verdicts on reserved seats, and advocating for the "preservation" of the Constitution.
Former Pakistani PM's supporters defy ban, continue protest in Islamabad
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
