Pakistan’s federal capital is hosting, from Oct. 15-16, the 23rd meeting of the Council of the Heads of Government of the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) under the theme “Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue; Striving towards a sustainable peace and Prosperity”.
This implies Pakistan’s growing significance in regional dynamics, presenting the country a golden chance to show its capabilities in diplomacy, strategic affairs, and economy.
The China-led initiative of the SCO came about in June 2001, evolving from the Shanghai Five established in 1996, and was seen as a major development in the arena of contemporary global politics. Beijing’s move implicitly intended to enact some checks on rifts between emerging great powers in the region, particularly in the realms of strategic and economic dominance. It also aimed at exercising influence over growing radicalized elements, resulting from economic disparities, poverty, and unstable politico-economic conditions.
Global organizations viewed the SCO as a challenging forum to traditional superpowers, posing a threat to their mutually agreed agenda. By contrast, regional stakeholders saw the SCO as a window of opportunity to combat security threats and consolidate peace and sustainable development. Pakistan, a key player in South Asia, perceived the organization as a big opening to encase its geostrategic interests and pursue its legitimate agenda towards peace and security for long term regional economic prosperity. Dividends to Pakistan under the aegis of SCO are immense and quite significant in the wake of a foreseeable North-South trade and energy corridor. The country initially entered the organization as an observer, becoming a full member state in 2017.
Pakistan’s desire to join the SCO is rooted in the conditions triggered by the 9/11 attacks in New York. The country suffered badly from terrorism and extremism in the aftermath and saw converging interests with SCO member states in bringing about peace and stability in the region. By hosting the 23rd summit this week, Pakistan is well-placed to discuss core concerns on a regional platform, including the prevailing situation in Afghanistan and ongoing rifts between Pakistan and India. By playing a constructive role in the SCO, Pakistan can undoubtedly bring about a new era of peace and cooperation in the region.