The significant SCO Summit to be held in Pakistan.

The most significant upcoming events for Pakistan is the SCO Summit in Islamabad, scheduled for 15-16 October 2024. This high-profile gathering will offer Pakistan a pivotal opportunity to demonstrate its role as a key facilitator of regional cooperation and economic integration within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. As a central player in promoting connectivity, Pakistan will use this platform to emphasize its strategic vision, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which serves as a vital link connecting South Asia, Central Asia, and beyond.

The summit will bring together leaders from all member states, including China, Russia, India, and Iran, and high-level delegations from observer and dialogue partner countries. Pakistan’s ability to host such a prestigious event highlights its growing importance in both regional geopolitics and economic development. It will be a unique opportunity for Pakistan to showcase the transformative potential of CPEC, not just for itself but for the entire SCO region. The Gwadar port, as a critical node in this corridor, will likely take center stage as a future hub of economic activities, benefiting the entire region—from Central Asia to Eurasia—by opening up new trade routes and enhancing energy security.

The impact of this summit is expected to be far-reaching. It will bolster Pakistan’s standing within the SCO as a reliable partner in fostering regional stability and economic progress. Moreover, the summit will promote deeper collaboration across Eurasia, opening avenues for expanded trade, cultural exchange, and security cooperation. For Pakistan, hosting the summit not only symbolizes its active participation in the SCO’s initiatives, such as joint military exercises, trade expos, and cultural summits, but also reinforces its commitment to regional peace and prosperity.

The 2024 SCO Summit in Islamabad is set to be a milestone event, solidifying Pakistan’s role in shaping the future of the region while advancing its own economic and strategic interests. The outcomes of this summit will likely have long-lasting effects, fostering closer ties between member states and promoting a more integrated and prosperous Eurasian landscape.

Introduction and Background

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a prominent regional intergovernmental organization that promotes cooperation in political, economic, and security spheres across Eurasia. It was established in 2001 under circumstances marked by the aftermath of the Soviet Union’s disintegration in 1991, a time when the region faced instability, border conflicts, and rising extremism. The initial foundation of the SCO was laid as the Shanghai Five in 1996, consisting of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, aimed at resolving border issues and building trust. In 2001, with the inclusion of Uzbekistan, the SCO was formally created to address broader challenges, such as terrorism, separatism, and extremism, which were rampant in the volatile political scenario post-Soviet disintegration.

Expansion and Pakistan’s Membership:

The SCO expanded its reach in 2017, when Pakistan and India joined as full members, reflecting the organization’s growing importance in the region. Pakistan’s membership is particularly significant due to its strategic location and its role as a bridge between South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Iran recently became a full member in 2023, and several other nations, such as Afghanistan, Turkey, Belarus, and Mongolia, have expressed interest in joining or enhancing their cooperation with the SCO.

Initial and Evolving Objectives:

Initially, the SCO’s primary goals were focused on fostering peace, stability, and security by combatting terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Over time, these objectives have expanded to include economic cooperation, regional connectivity, trade, and cultural exchanges. The SCO now plays a critical role in shaping regional diplomacy, economic integration, and multilateral partnerships.

Current and Future Expansion:

As of today, the SCO comprises nine full members: China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran. Several more countries, including Turkey, Afghanistan, and Belarus, are looking to join as full members in the future. The continuous interest in joining the SCO highlights its growing global influence and strategic importance.

Global Population and Economic Influence:

The SCO constitutes about 40% of the world’s population, making it one of the largest regional organizations globally. It covers an enormous geographical area, stretching from East Asia to Europe. The SCO member states control 30% of the world’s natural resources, including significant reserves of oil, gas, and minerals, making them key players in the global energy market. Economically, the SCO members combined generate nearly 25% of the world’s GDP, demonstrating the organization’s increasing economic influence on a global scale.

Future Prospects and Global Impact:

The SCO’s future expansion is expected to further enhance its role as a platform for regional cooperation, countering security threats, promoting trade, and facilitating dialogue among nations. With growing membership and economic collaboration, the SCO is likely to become a central player in Eurasian geopolitics, connecting regions and shaping global trade patterns. This influence will be crucial in areas like energy security, infrastructure development, and cross-border trade.

The SCO has transformed from a regional security organization into a significant economic and political force, shaping the future of Eurasia. Its growing membership, vast population, abundant resources, and expanding economic influence make it a key player in global affairs. As more countries seek to join the SCO, its role in promoting peace, stability, and development will only strengthen, creating a more interconnected and prosperous region.

Pakistan’s Role in SCO:

Pakistan plays a pivotal role in the SCO due to its strategic location and potential as a connectivity hub. As a nation situated at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, Pakistan’s geographical position offers immense potential for regional integration. This is further reinforced by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which serves as a key artery of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). CPEC has significantly enhanced Pakistan’s infrastructure and connectivity, creating new trade routes and fostering economic growth, not only for Pakistan but for the broader region.

The Gwadar Port in Pakistan, a cornerstone of CPEC, is poised to become a major economic hub, facilitating trade across the region. This deep-sea port, with its natural strategic location, will transform the flow of goods, providing a shorter and more efficient route for SCO member states to access global markets. China, Russia, Central Asia, and Eastern Asia are expected to benefit directly from the enhanced trade connectivity provided by Gwadar, making Pakistan a crucial player in shaping new trade patterns and partnerships.

Active Participation in SCO Activities:

Pakistan has been actively involved in various SCO initiatives, ranging from joint military exercises, which strengthen collective security, to expos, trade shows, sports events, conferences, and summits that promote cultural and economic cooperation. Pakistan’s active participation underscores its commitment to the organization’s vision of fostering regional stability and prosperity.

Challenges and Criticism:

Despite its growing influence, the SCO faces challenges, particularly criticism from Western nations that view it as a bloc designed to counter Western interests. Some analysts argue that the SCO’s focus on security cooperation could lead to increased tensions with NATO and other Western powers. However, Pakistan, with its history of diplomacy and cooperation, can play a mediating role in diffusing confrontation. By promoting dialogue, economic cooperation, and shared interests, Pakistan can help align the SCO’s goals with global stability, advocating for collaboration rather than confrontation with the West.

Pakistan’s role in the SCO is not only pivotal but transformative. With its strategic location, enhanced infrastructure through CPEC, and active participation in SCO activities, Pakistan is poised to reshape regional connectivity and trade. The upcoming summit in Islamabad will further solidify Pakistan’s standing in the organization, paving the way for greater regional cooperation and economic integration. While challenges remain, Pakistan’s balanced approach can help navigate them, ensuring that the SCO remains a vital platform for promoting peace and prosperity across Eurasia.