23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government Summit: Opportunities for Pakistan
In December 2021, Islamabad became the focal point of global attention as Pakistan hosted an extraordinary session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to address the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Despite the global complexities, Pakistan took a leadership role in convening this high-level meeting, bringing together foreign ministers and representatives from 57 OIC member countries. As the 23rd SCO Council of Heads of Government Summit approaches, Pakistan has another opportunity to showcase its diplomatic strength. Pakistan can use the SCO platform to promote its leadership role, regional security and counterterrorism efforts, regional connectivity and economic cooperation, improve bilateral relations and climate change environmental protection.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which is the successor of Shanghai Five, is a permanent intergovernmental organization that was established on June 15, 2001, in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China. It was created by the Republic of Kazakhstan, the People's Republic of China, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan. Later on, it was joined by Pakistan and India in 2017 and Iran in 2023. The charter Shanghai Cooperation Organization signed in 2002 at the meeting of the Council of Heads of States in St. Petersburg, which entered into force on September 19, 2003.
The main goals of SCO are to strengthen mutual trust, friendship, and friendly neighborliness between the Member States; to encourage effective cooperation between the Member States in such spheres as politics, trade, economy, science and technology, culture, education, energy, transport, tourism, and environmental protection; to jointly ensure and maintain peace, security, and stability in the region; and to promote a new democratic, fair, and rational international political and economic international order.
As the host nation of the summit, it provides Pakistan an opportunity to position itself as a facilitator and regional connector in the region. Pakistan can utilize the stage for a united and prosperous region. By facilitating dialogue, Pakistan can enhance its leadership role and also promote its soft power.
Moreover, this summit will be significant in addressing security concerns, particularly those emanating from Afghanistan. Afghanistan provides a safe haven for terrorist organizations, which not only makes Pakistan’s security vulnerable but also creates instability in the region. By using the forum, Pakistan can pressurize Afghanistan along with other member states to not provide a safe haven to militant organizations. Pakistan can also use RATS to counter armed elements. The cooperation with other member states in intelligence sharing and combating terrorism can be pivotal for the region.
The summit provides Pakistan an avenue to enhance regional connectivity and economic cooperation. Pakistan, located at the crossroads of south and central Asia, can use its strategic position effectively to enhance regional connectivity and promote economic cooperation among member states. The Chinese-led project, CPEC, further integrates Pakistan into regional and global trade networks. Central Asian states are landlocked, so via CPEC they can access warm waters and continue their trade with the world. Commutatively, SCO accounts for 40% of the global population and nearly 30% of global GDP; it offers a great market to member countries for trade. The member states can enhance their economic relations with free trade agreements and economic integrity.
Furthermore, Pakistan is severely affected by climate change. Through the collaboration of member states of the SCO, Pakistan can address this challenge. Pakistan can emphasize joint environmental initiatives and sustainable practices to mitigate carbon emissions. Collaborative efforts, such as the effective use of renewable energy, improved water management, capacity building of disaster management institutions, and environmental protection, can be further strengthened.
The SCO Summit provides Pakistani leadership an opportunity to meet with different counterparts of member states bilaterally and improve its bilateral relations. Although India’s Foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has denied any bilateral discussion with Pakistani counterpart, it is speculated that his trip to Pakistan will be proved as ice-breaking in India Pakistan relations.
To sum up, the SCO summit is a fruitful opportunity for the region in general and for Pakistan in particular. It plays a pivotal role in enhancing environmental protection, economic cooperation, regional connectivity, and security. Pakistan can also improve its leadership role and its security.