Mudassir Rizwan
Pakistan is gearing up to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG) summit in Islamabad from 14th to 16th October. This summit is a significant diplomatic endeavour for Pakistan, as it provides a platform to demonstrate its diplomatic prowess and ability to facilitate high-level international dialogues. The event will bring together officials from member states, including Iran, India, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan.
The hosting of the summit holds paramount importance for Pakistan in enhancing its diplomatic credibility and showcasing its capabilities on the international stage. Pakistan has been actively working to improve its image as a reliable partner in regional stability and aims to counter negative perceptions propagated by hostile elements that portray it as an unsafe or failed state. The summit serves as a testament to Pakistan’s commitment to fostering regional connections and economic collaboration among SCO members.
The SCO is a crucial Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance established in 2001 by Russia and China. It stands as the world’s largest regional organization, covering approximately 80 percent of Eurasia and 40 percent of the world’s population. As of 2023, the SCO’s combined GDP represents about 32 percent of the world’s total, underscoring its significant economic influence.
Pakistan’s strategic location offers unique opportunities to serve as a trade conduit between Central Asia and South Asia, potentially transforming it into a vital economic hub. The summit, with its emphasis on economic collaboration among member states, is a significant step towards enhancing trade and investment initiatives to bolster regional economies, bringing a wave of optimism for Pakistan’s economic future.
In addition to economic cooperation, the summit aims to strengthen multilateral cooperation by addressing pressing issues such as environmental sustainability and socio-cultural linkages. These discussions are crucial for fostering a cohesive regional identity, instilling a sense of unity and shared purpose that transcends individual national interests.
The presence of world leaders at the summit will facilitate the adoption of organizational decisions aimed at improving cooperation among member states. This collaborative approach is vital for addressing shared challenges like terrorism and regional conflicts, further solidifying Pakistan’s status as a credible player in international relations.
Security concerns, particularly combating terrorism and enhancing regional stability, will be central themes at the summit. Given the geopolitical dynamics in Eurasia, a unified stance against security threats is essential for maintaining peace. The SCO’s unwavering focus on security cooperation aligns with Pakistan’s national interests in combating terrorism and ensuring stability within its borders, providing reassurance about the region’s stability.
The summit will also address ongoing conflicts within and around member states, highlighting the need for dialogue and understanding to foster regional stability. The SCO provides a platform for addressing these issues through diplomatic channels rather than military means. Pre-summit meetings involving ministers and senior officials will lay the groundwork for discussions on financial, economic, socio-cultural, and humanitarian cooperation among member states.
India’s participation in the SCO reflects its delicate balancing act between seeking regional security cooperation and managing its apprehensions regarding China’s growing influence within the organization. By selectively engaging in the SCO’s economic strategies, India aims to counterbalance Chinese dominance while fostering constructive ties with Central Asian states, adding complexity to the SCO’s dynamics and fostering discussions on economic collaboration and security concerns.
The upcoming SCO summit in Pakistan represents a significant opportunity for enhancing multilateral cooperation among member states. This event will underscore Pakistan’s role as a key player in Eurasian geopolitics, elevating its diplomatic standing and contributing to shaping a more integrated and cooperative Eurasian region. The outcomes of this summit are expected to pave the way for improved relations among SCO member states while addressing shared challenges that threaten regional stability.
