SCO SUMMIT SET FOR ISLAMABAD ON OCTOBER 15-16

Leaders from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states are set to gather in Islamabad on October 15-16 for the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG). The summit will focus on advancing cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, environment, and socio-cultural linkages, while also reviewing the Organization’s performance.

To ensure smooth proceedings during the summit, the federal government has declared a three-day public holiday in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, as the current Chair of the CHG, will preside over the meeting, which will see participation from the Prime Ministers of China, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as the First Vice President of Iran and India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, marking the first visit by an Indian Foreign Minister to Pakistan since 2015.

The meeting will discuss ongoing cooperation and adopt key decisions to enhance collaboration among SCO member states, including approving the Organization’s budget.

Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal highlighted that hosting the SCO summit presents Pakistan with a unique opportunity to showcase its development and strengthen bilateral ties, especially with China, whose Premier will visit Pakistan for the first time in 11 years.

CHINESE PREMIER LI QIANG ARRIVES IN PAKISTAN FOR BILATERAL VISIT AND SCO SUMMIT

Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Pakistan on Monday for a four-day bilateral visit, coinciding with the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit to be held in Islamabad on October 15-16. This marks the first visit by a Chinese premier to Pakistan in 11 years, with the last visit made by Premier Li Keqiang in May 2013.

Premier Li was welcomed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at Rawalpindi’s Noor Khan Airbase, receiving a 21-gun salute as a ceremonial gesture. Several key government officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, were also present to greet the Chinese delegation.

PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed his delight at Premier Li’s visit and emphasized the importance of this trip for Pakistan-China relations. “We will review progress on existing initiatives, especially CPEC, and explore new avenues of mutually beneficial cooperation,” the prime minister said in a statement on X.

During his visit, Premier Li will engage in discussions with President Asif Ali Zardari, parliamentary leaders, and senior military officials. The visit is seen as a reaffirmation of the strong “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” between Pakistan and China, particularly in the advancement of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.

The SCO summit, which Pakistan is hosting with stringent security measures, will bring together leaders from member states including China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran, with India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar attending as well. The gathering aims to strengthen regional cooperation in trade, economy, and cultural exchanges.

Amid heightened security, the government has declared a three-day public holiday in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with schools and businesses closed and large security contingents deployed. The Army and Rangers have been called in to secure key government buildings and the Red Zone area in the capital.

The summit is expected to provide a platform for Pakistan to position itself as a trade hub for Central Asia and enhance its image as a regional player. CM Maryam Nawaz called the event a “game-changer” for the country, and PPP Senator Sherry Rehman emphasized its importance in promoting Pakistan as a connectivity hub for global trade.

The Chinese Premier’s visit, following a recent suicide attack in Karachi targeting Chinese nationals, underscores the continued importance of Pakistan-China ties. PM Shehbaz Sharif has assured a thorough investigation into the attack and emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting Chinese citizens in Pakistan.

SCO’S IMPORTANCE FOR PAKISTAN

The SCO, a multilateral organization founded to foster cooperation on security, economic, and political fronts among its member states, has evolved into a crucial forum addressing key regional issues such as trade, counterterrorism, and infrastructure development. For Pakistan, the upcoming meeting is particularly pivotal as it comes at a time of shifting global power dynamics, with the rise of Asia as an economic and political center.

PAKISTAN’S GEOPOLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE IN THE SCO

Pakistan’s role as a member of the SCO places it at the heart of strategic influence in a rapidly evolving region. The increasing prominence of China, Russia’s pivot towards Asia, and the growing importance of Central Asia present Pakistan with an opportunity to leverage its strategic location for both economic and political gain.

Historically, Pakistan’s geographic position has been viewed as a geopolitical asset. However, domestic challenges—including economic instability, internal security concerns, and political volatility—have often limited its ability to fully capitalize on this advantage. Now, as a member of the SCO, Pakistan has a platform to amplify its influence by engaging more actively in regional dialogues, securing economic benefits, and improving its standing in the international community.

ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY IN THE FACE OF CRISIS

Pakistan’s dire economic situation—marked by soaring inflation, diminishing foreign reserves, and sluggish economic growth—underscores the urgency of seeking new economic partnerships. The SCO’s economic dimension offers Pakistan a critical pathway to forge deeper ties with member states, particularly China, Russia, and the Central Asian republics.

Through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is a key component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Pakistan can access regional markets, attract infrastructure investment, and facilitate trade. This cooperation could prove instrumental in revitalizing Pakistan’s struggling economy. However, the benefits are not limited to China. Strengthening trade relations with Central Asia and Russia could help Pakistan diversify its economic portfolio and secure long-term growth.

SECURITY COOPERATION: A KEY PILLAR OF THE SCO

Security cooperation is another critical dimension of Pakistan’s involvement in the SCO. With ongoing internal security challenges, particularly along its borders, Pakistan has a vested interest in collaborating with regional powers to combat terrorism and extremism. The SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) provides a valuable forum for addressing these issues, allowing Pakistan to work with China, Russia, and Central Asia on counterterrorism strategies.

Furthermore, the summit presents an opportunity for Pakistan to address the aftermath of the recent terror attack targeting Chinese nationals in Karachi. By demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding Chinese investments and citizens, Pakistan can reinforce its strategic partnership with China.

The situation in Afghanistan, particularly since the Taliban’s takeover, remains a significant concern for regional stability. For Pakistan, which has long been impacted by cross-border terrorism and refugee influxes, the SCO offers a platform to coordinate with other member states on managing the security fallout. Collaborative efforts within the SCO framework could play a critical role in promoting regional peace and stability, which are essential for sustainable economic growth.

PAKISTAN-INDIA RELATIONS: A DELICATE BALANCING ACT

One of the most delicate aspects of the upcoming meeting is the presence of both Pakistan and India. Despite longstanding tensions, both countries are members of the SCO, and this multilateral forum offers a rare opportunity for indirect dialogue. Pakistan’s invitation to India to attend the meeting signals Islamabad’s openness to engage diplomatically within a broader regional framework.

While expectations for a major diplomatic breakthrough remain low, the summit could serve as a symbolic step towards reducing tensions, particularly on economic matters. Both countries stand to gain from regional trade and cooperation, and the SCO may provide an avenue for pragmatic engagement despite the strained bilateral relationship.

A DIPLOMATIC OPPORTUNITY FOR PAKISTAN

The upcoming SCO meeting offers Pakistan a rare diplomatic opportunity at a time when it faces pressing economic and security challenges. For Islamabad, the strategy should be clear: advocate for increased regional cooperation on economic and security issues, emphasize the need for stability, and present Pakistan as a responsible regional stakeholder.

By highlighting its role in CPEC and positioning itself as a key player in connecting Central Asia to global markets, Pakistan can strengthen ties not just with China but also with other SCO members eager for greater economic integration. Additionally, by engaging diplomatically with India, Pakistan can demonstrate its commitment to regional cooperation and peaceful coexistence.

Ultimately, Pakistan’s participation in the SCO summit comes at a crucial time. As global powers reassess their alliances and Asia emerges as a key economic and political center, Pakistan has a chance to secure its place as a pivotal player in the region’s future. The summit, if managed effectively, could be a turning point in Pakistan’s diplomatic and economic trajectory, helping it to navigate both regional tensions and global opportunities.