Geostrategic Media Political Commentary, Analysis, Security, Defense
The impending Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Islamabad on October 15-16, 2024, is a momentous event for Pakistan and the whole Eurasian region. Since becoming a full member in 2017, Pakistan has gradually increased its involvement in this significant regional group, which strives to improve political, economic, and cultural connections among member nations while guaranteeing stability and security throughout Eurasia. The SCO’s aim of strengthening multilateral cooperation and developing a more democratic and fair world order is similar to Pakistan’s strategic goals. This summit provides an important chance for Pakistan to demonstrate its relevance in the region while capitalising on the enormous possibilities for economic cooperation and political alignment.
The SCO Vision and Pakistan’s Strategic Alignment
The Shanghai Collaboration Organization’s members, which include major powers such as China, Russia, India, and Iran, as well as crucial Central Asian republics such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, are dedicated to forging closer collaboration in political, economic, and cultural spheres. The organisation also aims to improve regional security and stability by promoting a multilateral approach to commerce and connectivity. Pakistan’s full participation in this bloc has enabled it to integrate its national objectives with the SCO’s overarching vision, notably in terms of regional commerce, energy security, and counter-terrorism activities.
For Pakistan, the SCO is a critical forum for promoting regional security and economic integration. Initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are closely related to the SCO’s aims of regional connectivity and economic cooperation. Through CPEC, Pakistan has established itself as a critical connection between Central Asia and the rest of the globe, providing landlocked member nations access to essential maritime routes. This role elevates Pakistan’s status inside the SCO framework and allows it to strengthen commercial connections with important countries such as China and Russia.
Pakistan’s Rise from Observer to Full Member Status: Implications
Pakistan’s advancement from observer to full member status in 2017 was a watershed moment with far-reaching consequences. As a full member, Pakistan now has access to the SCO’s immense prospects, including increased cooperation in commerce, security, and energy. The SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) has permitted coordinated counter-terrorism activities, intelligence sharing, and military drills, which have been extremely beneficial to Pakistan in addressing regional security concerns.
Furthermore, full membership has allowed Pakistan to pursue energy projects such as the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) gas pipeline and the CASA-1000 electricity transmission project, both of which aim to meet Pakistan’s energy needs by connecting it to resource-rich Central Asian countries. While infrastructural limits and regional security challenges persist, Pakistan’s SCO membership provides a path to address these obstacles by encouraging closer collaboration with surrounding countries.
Expanding the SCO: Challenges and Opportunities
The SCO has expanded greatly since its founding, with additional members like India, Pakistan, and Iran adding to its geopolitical weight. With big nations like Russia and China at the helm, the organisation seeks to restructure the global order by encouraging economic cooperation outside US control. Initiatives like de-dollarization and ideas for a new Eurasian security architecture reflect the SCO’s goal of establishing a multipolar world.
However, the growth has not been without hurdles. The admission of India and Pakistan, two competing governments with long-standing tensions, has caused friction inside the organisation. China, although pushing Eurasian unity through the SCO, has moved its attention to other regional forums, such as the China-Central Asia mechanism, where it may engage in more focused collaboration. These internal dynamics emphasise the complexity of multilateral involvement within the SCO since competing country interests can impede consensus-building.
Despite these obstacles, there is still plenty of room for growth. Several nations, like Afghanistan and Mongolia, have observer status, while 14 others, including significant Arab governments like Saudi Arabia and Egypt, have joined as conversation partners. This possible growth provides the SCO with an opportunity to expand its influence, while it will need careful handling of internal divisions to preserve cohesiveness.
Trade Prospects within the SCO
The commercial potential inside the SCO is enormous, with mutual commerce between member nations increasing from $336 billion in 2019 to $490 billion in 2023, a 1.5-fold increase. China and Russia dominate the economic scene, accounting for 64.6% and 26.2% of total bilateral trade, respectively. For Pakistan, this represents a tremendous potential to strengthen its commercial links with member nations, particularly as it continues to build CPEC as a crucial trade route connecting Central Asia to global markets.
The SCO members jointly possess considerable global resources, including 25% of the world’s natural gas reserves, 40% of coal deposits, and significant stakes in the oil and food industries. Pakistan, as a member of this bloc, may use these resources to alleviate its energy constraints while increasing agricultural exports to resource-hungry markets in Central Asia and elsewhere. With sustained investment in infrastructure, connection projects, and specialised financial institutions, the SCO is positioned to unleash even more economic potential in the coming years.
The Significance of the SCO Summit in Pakistan
The next SCO Summit in Islamabad is especially vital for Pakistan, as it presents a critical chance to improve its diplomatic status and deepen regional connections. The summit will bring together high-profile figures, including India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, the Russian Prime Minister, and the Chinese Premier, to discuss critical topics such as economic cooperation, security, and counterterrorism.
Hosting this summit highlights Pakistan’s rising prominence within the SCO framework and positions it as a bridge between South and Central Asia. The summit also allows Pakistan to improve its worldwide image by organising a high-profile gathering that displays its commitment to solving major regional challenges such as climate change and Afghanistan’s stability.
Conclusion
As Pakistan prepares to host the SCO Summit 2024, it is at a crossroads in its foreign policy and regional strategy. The SCO provides Pakistan with not just a framework for further economic integration and security cooperation, but also a critical chance to establish itself as a prominent participant in the Eurasian scene. By capitalising on its strategic location and strengthening links with China, Russia, and Central Asia, Pakistan may increase its role in regional connectivity and commerce, enhancing economic resilience in the face of global uncertainty.
While internal obstacles persist within the SCO, Pakistan’s proactive involvement and strategic thinking can assist it in navigating these complications, assuring its continued membership in this prominent organisation. The next conference is more than simply a diplomatic milestone for Pakistan; it also demonstrates the country’s long-standing commitment to promoting a peaceful, prosperous, and linked Eurasian future.
