Isolation to integration

As Pakistan prepares to host the 2024 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, it finds itself at a pivotal moment. The SCO, with its broad membership that spans the economic and political giants of Eurasia, offers Pakistan a unique platform to reorient its foreign policy from that of isolation to one of integration.

For a large part of its history, Pakistan’s international relations have been dominated by bilateral engagements, largely with Western powers, leading to a dependency that has often hampered the country’s diplomatic autonomy.

With Pakistan at the helm of welcoming an alliance of nations that are not only regional peers, but also members with significant political, economic and technical clout, hosting this summit could be the springboard Pakistan needs to redefine its diplomatic standing and broaden its geopolitical and diplomatic horizons.

One of the most immediate challenges on the table is Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. The chaos that has ensued following the US withdrawal has left Pakistan managing a difficult security landscape, with the perennial issue of cross-border terrorism still looming large. Hosting the SCO provides Pakistan with the multilateral stage needed to address these concerns head-on.

The SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) is one of the few mechanisms through which coordinated anti-terrorism efforts, particularly involving Afghanistan, can be strengthened. Both Russia and China can also be involved in mediation efforts to pacify the situation vis-a-vis the Taliban government and to advocate for a unified regional approach to dealing with Afghanistan's internal security issues – ensuring that terrorism and extremism do not spill over its borders.

On the eastern front, relations with India have long been mired in hostility, particularly over the Kashmir issue. The very presence of India and Pakistan within the same bloc offers a unique space for indirect engagement, especially considering that Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar will be physically attending the summit. Although the likelihood of immediate breakthroughs remains slim, the summit allows Pakistan to advocate for peaceful resolutions and de-escalation.

It is also an opportunity for Pakistan to highlight the Kashmir dispute as an issue that is not merely bilateral, but one with regional security implications, necessitating broader international attention. This shift in framing could allow Pakistan to bring new actors into the conversation, potentially de-escalating tensions through multilateral diplomacy.

Beyond its relations with India, the SCO Summit allows Pakistan to recalibrate its broader foreign policy. As the world pivots eastward, Pakistan can deepen its ties with SCO powerhouses like China and Russia, moving towards a more balanced foreign policy approach.

China, already Pakistan’s partner in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), will undoubtedly continue to be a key player in Pakistan’s economic and security strategies. Meanwhile, Russia’s growing interest in South Asia offers Pakistan new avenues for cooperation on defense and energy – particularly in the context of recent talks of a LNG Pipeline deal between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Putin. Such partnerships could be game-changing for Pakistan’s energy security, especially as it is en route to economic recovery.

Pakistan’s engagement with Iran, an important SCO member, is another avenue where the country can bolster its foreign policy. Economic opportunities, particularly in energy trade, could serve as a cornerstone for improved Pakistan-Iran relations. Furthermore, both nations share concerns regarding Afghanistan’s stability, providing another point of convergence for collaboration within the SCO.

On the broader geopolitical stage, Pakistan has the chance to champion the Muslim cause, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The SCO, while primarily focused on security and economic cooperation, can also serve as a forum where Pakistan pushes for international support to end hostilities in Palestine.

So, the 2024 SCO summit represents a moment for Pakistan to shift from a reactive foreign policy, dictated by external pressures, to a proactive stance that is focused on regional integration.

And to make this summit a success Pakistan needs to employ a two-pronged approach. The obvious one here is to align its domestic stakeholders and ensure a unified approach to both planning and execution. This starts with bringing political entities, security agencies, and economic ministries onto one page to create a cohesive national strategy that reflects the country's broader foreign policy goals. Efforts to this effect are already in motion by the government of Pakistan – which is commendable.

Additionally, Pakistan must focus on international engagement, particularly through media diplomacy. As Information Minister Attaullah Tarrar recently said: “In the information age, engagement is king”. Building on this spirit, the government can leverage the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s vast networks to ensure consistent messaging across global platforms, which can help shape narratives in Pakistan’s favour.

Highlighting Pakistan’s efforts in regional security, economic development, and its potential as a trade hub will not only enhance the summit’s impact but also boost the country’s international image. Engaging with major international media outlets and ensuring high-level participation in interviews and press briefings will further ensure that Pakistan's voice is amplified on the world stage, effectively promoting the summit’s outcomes and Pakistan’s pivotal role within the SCO.

So, with a collaborative domestic front and strong international media engagement, Pakistan can make this summit a defining moment in its foreign policy, moving from the shadows of isolation into a more integrated and influential position in regional and global geopolitics.

The writer is a LUMS graduate,

currently serving as an information officer at the Press Information Department, Karachi. He can be reached at: qasimf95@gmail.com