As SCO Chair, Islamabad Is Expected to Prioritise New Connectivity Routes Through Iran and Central Asia
Pakistan has assumed the presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation at a particularly important moment for regional politics and economic integration, giving Islamabad an opportunity to push for stronger connectivity, trade and cooperation across Eurasia.
As chair, Pakistan is expected to place regional connectivity high on its agenda, particularly transport and trade corridors linking the country with Iran and the Central Asian states. Such routes could strengthen Pakistan’s position as a bridge between South Asia, Central Asia and the wider region while providing participating countries with greater access to regional and international markets.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s engagement with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Bishkek also reflected the growing importance of Iran in Pakistan’s regional connectivity plans.
Pakistan’s presidency comes as SCO members seek deeper economic cooperation amid significant geopolitical changes. For Islamabad, the challenge will be to translate its geographical position into practical economic opportunities by promoting transport infrastructure, regional trade, energy cooperation and greater integration with Central Asia.
The presidency also gives Pakistan an important diplomatic platform to strengthen relations with SCO members and encourage cooperation despite political differences among some of the organisation’s major states.
Ultimately, the significance of Pakistan’s SCO presidency will depend on whether Islamabad can move beyond diplomatic declarations and help develop workable regional projects. Connectivity through Iran and Central Asia could become one of the most consequential areas in which Pakistan attempts to turn its strategic geography into economic advantage.
