Raja Muhammad Khan Abbasi
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a pivotal international conference where leaders and high-ranking officials from SCO member countries convene. The purpose of the summit is to foster collaboration among member states addressing security challenges exploring new opportunities for economic development. By facilitating dialogue and discussions the summit aims to enhance regional stability, promote collective growth, security cooperation. The Heads of State Council (HSC) serves as the paramount decision-making authority within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). This council convenes annually to deliberate on critical matters and provide directives concerning the organization’s activities. The SCO strives to collaborate engage across various sectors for example trade, economy, education, technology, environmental protection, tourism, science, energy, transportation and various other fields.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) encompasses a geographical area that includes Central Asia, East Asia, South Asia, and Russia. The collective population of it’s member states exceeds 3 billion, representing approximately 40% of the global population. The member countries of the SCO have a profound impact on global GDP as the combined GDP of SCO member countries constitutes approximately 20% of the global economy. As of now, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) comprises nine member states Pakistan, China, Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has an interesting history as it was founded in 2001. This organization was established by six countries China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The origins of the SCO can be traced back to the “Shanghai Five” which was founded in 1996. After Uzbekistan joined in 2001 “Shanghai Five” transformed into Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Pakistan and India joined the SCO on June 9 2017 during the SCO summit held in Astana Kazakhstan. Their membership significantly expanded the organization and was a significant development in regional geopolitics. In 2023 India hosted the SCO Summit in New Delhi and now in 2024 Pakistan is set to host for the summit in Islamabad. Islamabad will be hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) council of heads of government meeting on October 15 and 16 marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s foreign policy. This event will convene top leaders and their presence emphasizes the importance of this summit in the context of regional cooperation.
This pivotal meeting is set to elevate Islamabad into a prominent hub of international diplomacy strengthening bilateral and multilateral relationships, paving the way for constructive discussions on pressing global issues. At a time when Pakistan is facing significant economic and political challenges the upcoming SCO summit presents a vital opportunity for the nation to showcase its capabilities on the global stage. The visibility gained from the SCO summit could attract foreign investment and strengthen economic ties, which are essential for the country’s recovery and growth. Ultimately, this summit might mark a transformative moment for Pakistan, enabling it to redefine its narrative and assert its importance in both regional and global contexts.
Pakistan’s geographical location positions it as a vital bridge between South Asia and Central Asia which can be a significant advantage during the SCO summit it is hosting this year. This strategic position allows Pakistan to facilitate trade and connectivity between these two regions enhancing economic cooperation. Pakistan can promote initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which connects Gwadar Port to China and opens pathways for trade with Central Asian countries. This connectivity can lead to increased investment and trade opportunities, benefiting Pakistan’s economy. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a flagship project as it is interlinked with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and is essential for both China and Pakistan. It comprises a network of roads, railways, and pipelines that connect Gwadar Port in Pakistan to China’s Xinjiang region. CPEC is crucial for China as it provides a direct route to the Arabian Sea. For Pakistan, the development of Gwadar Port and surrounding infrastructure is expected to transform it into a major trade hub, benefiting both nations economically and strategically. Moreover hosting the SCO summit can indeed provide Pakistan with significant benefits regarding major gas pipeline projects like the Iran-Pakistan (IP) and Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India (TAPI) gas pipeline projects. Pakistan can engage directly with leaders from SCO member states, which can facilitate discussions and negotiations related to these gas pipeline projects emphasizing its role in regional energy security and economic development. Pakistan’s geographical location can significantly contribute to efforts aimed at stabilizing Afghanistan. Pakistan shares a long border with Afghanistan making it a critical player in any discussions regarding Afghan stability. The summit can serve as a platform to propose and develop a comprehensive regional security framework that outlines cooperative measures, responsibilities, and protocols among member states to address security issues collectively. Pakistan can strengthen its alliances with other countries in the region and beyond. Hosting the summit allows Pakistan to raise awareness about its own environmental challenges and initiatives. By highlighting its commitment to environmental sustainability, Pakistan can attract investments in green technologies and renewable energy projects from other member countries, fostering sustainable development. It offers a vital chance to enhance collaboration on key issues like water management, disaster response, and sustainable development to tackle climate change effects in the region. Pakistan can benefit in terms of culture exchange programs by showcasing its rich cultural heritage as this exposure can help promote tourism and cultural ties, as foreign delegates and visitors may be more inclined towards it after experiencing them first-hand. The summit can serve as a platform for Pakistan to collaborate with other countries on educational and cultural initiatives, such as student exchange programs, joint research projects. Initiatives such as the Fulbright Program, Erasmus+, AIESEC and cultural ambassador programs could emerge from the SCO Summit that Pakistan is hosting in Islamabad. Given that Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world, with 64% of its population under the age of 30, these programs could offer immense benefits.
As the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) evolves to address emerging global challenges, Pakistan’s active engagement and strategic initiatives within the framework of the organization will be vital in shaping it’s future direction. The successful hosting of such a high-profile event highlights Pakistan’s enhanced role and status amplifying its geopolitical significance. Through this summit, Pakistan not only reinforces its position as a key player in international relations but also contributes in creating a collaborative environment where mutual interests can be addressed, paving the way for enhanced cooperation and stability in the region.
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