Pakistan is set to host the highly anticipated Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit tomorrow, October 15-16, 2024, marking a significant milestone in regional diplomacy.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will chair the summit, welcoming leaders and high-level representatives from 12 countries, including China, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Mongolia, Iran, India, and Turkmenistan.
This prestigious event not only highlights Pakistan’s strategic importance in the region but also serves as a critical platform for fostering cooperation, regional stability, and economic development.
The Strategic Importance of the SCO
Founded in 2001, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has evolved into a powerful political, economic, and security alliance encompassing major regional powers. Initially formed by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, the organization now includes eight full members, four observer states, and multiple dialogue partners.
With a geographic spread that spans Eurasia and represents nearly half of the world’s population, the SCO plays a pivotal role in shaping global geopolitics and regional stability.
As a founding member, China remains a dominant force within the SCO, utilizing the organization as a means to extend its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and promote infrastructure development throughout Central Asia.
Russia, another heavyweight, views the SCO as an essential instrument for counterbalancing Western influence while ensuring security and economic integration in its backyard.
Pakistan and India joined the organization in 2017, adding further complexity to the dynamics, as both nations have the potential to enhance regional connectivity and cooperation despite their longstanding rivalry.
Pakistan’s Role as Host of SCO Summit 2024
For Pakistan, hosting the SCO Summit presents a significant opportunity to elevate its standing on the global stage. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership during the summit will be closely watched, as the world assesses Pakistan’s role in fostering cooperation among member states.
Pakistan, a key ally in the fight against terrorism and an emerging economy, aims to showcase its strategic importance in promoting regional security and economic development.
Pakistan’s geopolitical position at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East makes it an ideal host for the summit. The country shares historical ties with many SCO members and serves as a bridge between East and West.
Moreover, its participation in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the BRI, positions Pakistan as a crucial player in regional connectivity and infrastructure development.
The summit will allow Pakistan to solidify its commitment to peace, stability, and economic prosperity within the region.
Key Leaders and High-Level Representation
The SCO Summit in Pakistan will witness the participation of prominent leaders, signaling the importance of the gathering. Prime Ministers from China, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Mongolia are expected to attend, underscoring the high-level nature of the event.
These leaders represent major economic and political powers, with China and Russia serving as the backbone of the SCO’s influence.
China’s Prime Minister will likely emphasize the continuation of the Belt and Road Initiative, focusing on infrastructure development and economic integration across the region.
Meanwhile, Russia’s participation will reaffirm its commitment to regional security, particularly in light of its ongoing geopolitical challenges.
The inclusion of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and other Central Asian nations highlights the shared interest in enhancing regional cooperation, particularly in areas such as energy, trade, and security.
In addition to these key leaders, the summit will also feature representatives from Iran, India, and Turkmenistan.
Iran’s First Vice President will represent the Islamic Republic, reflecting its growing role within the SCO.
India’s Foreign Minister will attend the summit, signaling the country’s ongoing involvement in regional diplomacy, despite strained relations with Pakistan.
Turkmenistan, an observer state, will send its Foreign Minister, reinforcing its interest in regional cooperation and stability.
Strengthening Cooperation Across Various Sectors
The SCO Summit will center around several key areas of cooperation, with a particular focus on enhancing regional stability, economic development, and security.
These three pillars are interwoven, as stability is essential for economic growth, and economic prosperity, in turn, contributes to long-term security.
1. Regional Stability
Stability remains a core concern for the SCO, as member states face a myriad of challenges, including terrorism, extremism, and separatism. The organization has long prioritized counterterrorism efforts, and the upcoming summit is expected to reaffirm this commitment.
Pakistan, with its extensive experience in combating terrorism, will play a leading role in shaping the discussions around security cooperation.
Afghanistan, though not a formal member of the SCO, will likely feature prominently in the summit’s agenda. The security situation in Afghanistan continues to have a ripple effect across the region, and the SCO has expressed a desire to play a constructive role in stabilizing the country.
Pakistan, which shares a border with Afghanistan, has a vested interest in ensuring peace and stability, as any unrest could potentially spill over into its territory.
2. Economic Cooperation
Economic cooperation is another key focus of the summit, with member states seeking to strengthen trade ties and promote infrastructure development. The Belt and Road Initiative will feature prominently in these discussions, as China looks to expand its economic footprint across the region.
Pakistan, as a major beneficiary of the BRI through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, will have the opportunity to highlight its own economic potential and attract further investment.
Energy cooperation will also be a central theme, as SCO member states possess vast reserves of natural resources, including oil, gas, and minerals.
Central Asia, in particular, is rich in energy resources, and the summit will provide a platform for discussions on how to harness these assets for mutual benefit.
Pakistan, which faces an energy deficit, will be keen to explore partnerships that can help address its energy needs.
3. Security Cooperation
Security cooperation within the SCO has traditionally focused on counterterrorism, but the scope of collaboration has expanded in recent years. The organization now addresses issues such as cyber security, drug trafficking, and organized crime.
Given the evolving nature of security threats, the summit will likely explore new avenues for cooperation, particularly in the digital domain.
China and Russia, as the leading military powers within the SCO, will spearhead discussions on defense cooperation
Joint military exercises have become a regular feature of the SCO’s security framework, and the summit may provide an opportunity to announce new initiatives aimed at enhancing defense collaboration.
Pakistan, with its strong military capabilities, will also play a pivotal role in shaping the security agenda.
Promoting Multilateralism in a Divided World
The SCO Summit in Pakistan comes at a time when the world is increasingly divided along geopolitical lines. The rise of great power competition, particularly between the United States and China, has created an atmosphere of mistrust and rivalry.
In this context, the SCO represents an important platform for promoting multilateralism and cooperation among nations.
While the SCO is often viewed as a counterweight to Western-dominated institutions such as NATO and the European Union, it also serves as a forum for dialogue and diplomacy.
The upcoming summit provides an opportunity for member states to engage in constructive discussions on how to address global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and security threats.
As the host nation, Pakistan will have a unique opportunity to showcase its commitment to multilateralism and peaceful diplomacy.
Conclusion
The 2024 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Pakistan represents a critical moment in regional diplomacy, as leaders from across Eurasia gather to discuss pressing issues of security, economic cooperation, and stability.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan aims to strengthen its role as a key player in the region, fostering cooperation among member states and promoting peace and prosperity.
As the summit unfolds, the world will be watching to see how the SCO navigates the complex challenges of the 21st century, and Pakistan’s pivotal role in shaping the future of the region.
