Pakistan is geared up to host the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit on October 15-16, 2024, in Islamabad. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is an intergovernmental entity that focuses on addressing political, economic, defence, and security matters within the Eurasian region. It is primarily overseen by the Council of Heads of State (HSC) and the Council of Heads of Government (HGC).
The summit is not only a platform for diplomatic engagements but also a significant opportunity for Pakistan to enhance its socio-political and economic standing. Holding this summit in Pakistan is a great opportunity to clarify how it can attract investment and contribute to regional connectivity.
Origin and Founding Nations of SCO:
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was established in 2001 and currently encompasses nine member states, including China, Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Additionally, the SCO comprises three observer states: Afghanistan, Belarus, and Mongolia. It has 14 dialogue partners, such as Sri Lanka, Turkey, Cambodia, Azerbaijan, Nepal, and more.
The SCO’s headquarters are located in Beijing, China, where it coordinates its growing activities. Member nations are dedicated to promoting peace, security, and economic cooperation.
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In 2017, India and Pakistan gained full membership status within the SCO under the leadership of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during the tenure of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government. As of 2024, the SCO has eight member states.
Who is Attending the SCO CHG Summit in Pakistan?
Heads of government from SCO member countries, including Shehbaz Sharif (Pakistan), S. Jaishankar (India), Xi Jinping (China), Vladimir Putin (Russia), and leaders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran, are attending. Mongolia’s Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai will participate as an observer, while Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of Turkmenistan, will attend as a special guest.
Representatives from international organizations like the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and the European Economic Community are also expected to attend.
Pakistan’s Role and Strategic Importance in SCO Summit 2024:
Since becoming a full member in 2017, Pakistan has actively contributed to SCO objectives. The SCO Summit 2024 holds significant diplomatic importance, occurring amid global geopolitical changes. With Asia emerging as a crucial center for political and economic activities, Pakistan’s membership in the SCO allows it to exert strategic influence in the region.
Pakistan’s strategic location is a valuable geopolitical asset. Through active participation in multilateral platforms like the SCO, Pakistan can secure economic benefits and build diplomatic capital. As China’s influence grows and Russia pivots towards Asia, Pakistan’s role in initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will be central to regional connectivity.
During the SCO Summit 2024, Pakistan will emphasize infrastructure development and economic cooperation, particularly through CPEC. Pakistan’s importance in these initiatives highlights the need for strong diplomatic ties with other regional powers. The summit will offer opportunities for new agreements, collaborative projects, and strategic partnerships.
As the host, Pakistan can use this platform to further its economic agenda, focusing on trade liberalization, investment promotion, and regional infrastructure development.
The SCO summit can help Pakistan foster new trade routes by enhancing regional connectivity through CPEC and expanding trade corridors between Central and South Asia. It can also help defuse recent tensions with China, particularly after the recent terror attack on Chinese nationals in Karachi.
Security remains a major focus of the SCO, and Pakistan, which has faced significant security challenges, can use the summit to share counterterrorism experiences and collaborate with regional powers on security strategies.
Pakistan will prioritize cooperation on law enforcement, security, and addressing terrorism, extremism, and separatism. These efforts are crucial for promoting regional stability.
Additionally, as Afghanistan continues to present security challenges post-Taliban takeover, Pakistan can collaborate with SCO members to address these complexities. By positioning itself as a key player in regional security discussions, Pakistan aims to reduce threats and enhance its influence within the organization.
The delicate relationship between Pakistan and India is another key issue. Despite tensions, both countries are SCO members, and the summit offers a rare opportunity for indirect dialogue. Pakistan’s invitation to India signals Islamabad’s openness to diplomatic engagement within a regional framework.
Security is as crucial as economic cooperation for Pakistan. The country faces ongoing internal security challenges, particularly in its border areas, where terrorism and extremism remain threats.
The outcomes of this summit will likely impact the future direction of the SCO, highlighting the importance of multilateral cooperation in a complex global landscape.
By hosting this summit, Pakistan can establish itself as a vital player in regional dynamics. The event will allow Pakistan to showcase its commitment to promoting dialogue and collaboration among SCO member states, representing nearly 40% of the world’s population and 32% of global GDP.
Agendas of the SCO Summit 2024:
This year’s summit will focus on cooperation and development prospects among member nations.
- Counterterrorism: Member states will work together to enhance security cooperation to combat cross-border terrorism, isolating countries harboring terrorists.
- Climate Change and Environmental Protection: Climate change and environmental protection will be key topics, with discussions focusing on promoting climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable practices for future generations.
- Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue: The summit’s theme, “Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue—Striving Towards Sustainable Peace and Prosperity,” reflects the collective commitment to cooperation, peace, and prosperity through dialogue and collaboration.
- Economic Cooperation: Leaders will explore trade and investment initiatives to foster economic collaboration among member states.
- Regional Stability and Security: Discussions will address ongoing conflicts and focus on promoting regional stability and a multipolar world order. The summit will also review SCO’s activities over the last two decades, setting the stage for future cooperation.
For Pakistan, the 2024 SCO Summit presents an opportunity to emerge as a leader in promoting economic stability and security in South Asia. By effectively managing diplomatic engagements and strategic partnerships, Pakistan can enhance its influence on both regional and global platforms.
