PAKISTAN IS SET to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of Government summit, a significant multilateral event that marks a critical moment for the country’s international standing. As the nation grapples with economic challenges, the importance of hosting this diplomatic gathering cannot be overstated. The summit comes at a crucial time for Pakistan, allowing it to both showcase its resilience and thwart any attempts to isolate it from the global arena.
The significance of hosting the SCO summit lies not only in fostering diplomacy but also in demonstrating Pakistan’s ability to manage high-profile international events, despite its domestic security challenges. With the summit just days away, Pakistan has implemented rigorous security measures, effectively placing the capital, Islamabad, and the adjoining city of Rawalpindi under a virtual lockdown. Around 10,000 police and paramilitary personnel will be deployed, alongside military support, to ensure the safety of visiting dignitaries. Although such stringent protocols may seem excessive, the government is taking no chances. The successful hosting of this event is a matter of both prestige and responsibility, especially in light of recent threats from terrorist groups and other hostile actors.
A platform for Pakistan to shine
Beyond the immediate concerns of security, the SCO summit represents an invaluable opportunity for Pakistan to strengthen its ties within the region. The SCO, a Beijing-led initiative, brings together major Eurasian players, including China, Russia, Central Asian states, and Iran, to collaborate on issues ranging from socioeconomic development to counterterrorism. In this context, Pakistan’s role as host offers it a unique chance to demonstrate its commitment to regional integration and cooperation.
Regional connectivity is vital for Pakistan’s long-term economic recovery. Greater engagement with neighbouring countries, particularly in South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, could open new trade routes and create economic partnerships that are essential for Pakistan’s prosperity. The SCO provides a platform for member states to pursue shared goals, including enhancing commerce, bolstering security cooperation, and fostering cultural exchange. For Pakistan, the summit signals that it is an active player in shaping the future of the region, and not a country to be marginalised.
Misconceptions about the SCO
While some critics view the SCO as an ‘anti-West’ bloc, akin to the Moscow-led BRICS, this interpretation is overly simplistic. The primary aim of the SCO is to foster collaboration among Eurasian states, focusing on mutual benefits rather than ideological opposition to the West. Indeed, participation in regional forums like the SCO allows countries to explore diverse partnerships without necessarily compromising their global diplomatic relationships.
For Pakistan, the summit presents an opportunity to enhance its ties with all SCO member states, including India, with whom relations remain strained. While it is unlikely that any major bilateral breakthroughs will occur during the event, the presence of India’s external affairs minister in Islamabad for the summit is still significant. The SCO offers a multilateral framework through which even adversaries can engage diplomatically, potentially opening channels for future dialogue.
Strengthening Pakistan’s global alliances
Pakistan’s ambitions should not end with the SCO. The country has also applied for full membership in BRICS, another important multilateral forum that could further expand its trade and diplomatic horizons. Alongside these efforts, Pakistan needs to deepen its engagement with other regional and global blocs, as this will help diversify its economic relationships and increase its geopolitical influence. Through a successful SCO summit and ongoing efforts to secure membership in BRICS, Pakistan can reposition itself as a key player in regional and global affairs.
Once a prominent voice in the developing world and the broader Muslim community, Pakistan’s international stature has been diminished in recent years, largely due to economic difficulties. However, hosting the SCO summit offers the country a platform to regain some of its lost prestige and demonstrate that it remains an influential voice on the world stage. This event signals that despite internal challenges, Pakistan is ready to contribute meaningfully to global discussions and regional cooperation.
A bright future for Pakistan
The outcome of the SCO summit will be closely watched, both domestically and internationally. If Pakistan can navigate the complexities of security, diplomacy, and regional cooperation successfully, it will reaffirm its position as an important geopolitical player. The world is witnessing Pakistan’s return to the international stage, and a well-executed SCO summit could mark the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s diplomatic journey.
Pakistan’s future lies in its ability to foster regional partnerships, bolster economic cooperation, and rebuild its international reputation. By hosting events like the SCO summit and engaging with multilateral forums such as BRICS, Pakistan is signalling that it is not only ready to participate in global governance but also eager to lead efforts in regional integration and economic development. This event is not just about diplomacy; it is about securing Pakistan’s future on the world stage.