Pakistan’s role in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization: Advancing regional connectivity, security, and economic collaboration

As a founding member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Pakistan plays a crucial role in advancing regional connectivity, fostering economic collaboration, and contributing to security and stability across South Asia and beyond. Pakistan’s active participation in the SCO not only reflects its commitment to multilateralism and regional cooperation but also highlights its dedication to shared prosperity, peace, and mutual progress values at the very core of the SCO’s objectives.

Since its inception, the SCO has evolved into a significant platform for regional cooperation, particularly in the realms of trade, security, and diplomacy. The organization’s diverse membership, which includes major players like China, Russia, and the Central Asian republics, offers a unique opportunity for Pakistan to strengthen its ties with countries that collectively account for nearly half of the world’s population. With such a vast and varied audience, the potential benefits of greater cooperation within the SCO framework are enormous. Pakistan stands to gain substantially from enhanced engagement, and its contributions to the organization are vital in ensuring that regional aspirations for peace, stability, and development are realized.

This year’s SCO summit presents a valuable opportunity for Pakistan to deepen cooperation among member states, focusing on critical areas such as trade, energy, and technological partnerships. Strengthening economic ties within the SCO is essential as it can pave the way for new opportunities in trade expansion, infrastructure development, and digital transformation. These areas of focus are key to unlocking the region’s full economic potential, benefiting not only Pakistan but all SCO member states.

One of the most significant opportunities for Pakistan within the SCO framework lies in leveraging its geostrategic position as a gateway to Central Asia. Pakistan’s geographic location makes it an essential hub for trade and transit between South Asia, Central Asia, and beyond. The country’s role in facilitating cross-border trade routes, promoting energy security, and connecting markets is unparalleled. Pakistan’s participation in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a prime example of how strategic infrastructure projects can enhance connectivity, foster economic growth, and serve as a model for broader regional integration.

CPEC, a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has already begun to transform Pakistan’s infrastructure and economy. As part of the SCO’s broader vision for regional connectivity, CPEC offers immense potential for other SCO member states as well. It serves as a critical trade and energy corridor, providing access to markets and resources in China, Central Asia, and the Middle East. The development of Gwadar Port, in particular, opens up new possibilities for regional trade by providing landlocked Central Asian countries with access to the Arabian Sea, enhancing their trade routes and reducing transportation costs. Through CPEC and other related initiatives, Pakistan is positioning itself as a key player in regional trade, facilitating stronger economic ties among SCO members.

However, the opportunities for Pakistan and other SCO nations are not limited to infrastructure and trade alone. Energy cooperation is another critical area where Pakistan and its partners can benefit from enhanced collaboration. As global energy demands continue to rise, the SCO provides a platform for member states to work together on securing energy supplies, developing renewable energy sources, and sharing technological innovations in the energy sector. For Pakistan, this cooperation is particularly important, given the country’s energy shortages and its reliance on imported fuels. Joint ventures in energy production, particularly in renewable energy projects such as solar, wind, and hydropower, can help Pakistan meet its growing energy needs while contributing to regional energy security.

In addition to economic cooperation, the SCO plays a pivotal role in addressing shared security concerns, which are of paramount importance for Pakistan and the wider region. Terrorism, extremism, and drug trafficking are persistent threats that undermine stability and prosperity across the SCO member states. As a country that has long been at the forefront of combating terrorism, Pakistan believes that close cooperation among member states is essential to effectively counter these challenges. The SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) provides a valuable mechanism for member states to coordinate efforts, share intelligence, and develop joint strategies to combat terrorism and extremism.

For Pakistan, combating terrorism is not just a national priority but a regional one. The interconnected nature of security threats in South and Central Asia means that no single country can address these challenges alone. Through the SCO, Pakistan has the opportunity to work closely with neighbouring countries to build robust counter-terrorism frameworks and ensure collective security. This cooperation extends beyond traditional security measures and includes addressing the root causes of terrorism, such as poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment. By promoting inclusive growth and sustainable development within the SCO framework, Pakistan and its partners can help create a more stable and secure region.

Another key priority for Pakistan within the SCO is addressing the region’s economic vulnerabilities. Many SCO member states, including Pakistan, face significant challenges related to underdevelopment, climate change, and the need for inclusive growth. Pakistan advocates for collaborative efforts within the SCO to promote sustainable development, boost regional trade, and attract investment in key sectors such as energy, technology, and infrastructure. In particular, enhanced cooperation in renewable energy and digitalization can provide new pathways to growth, while tackling the critical issues of energy shortages and technological gaps.

The digital transformation of economies is another area where Pakistan can benefit from closer cooperation with SCO member states. The global economy is increasingly driven by technological advancements, and countries that invest in digital infrastructure and innovation are better positioned to thrive in this new era. Pakistan has already begun to make strides in digitalization, but there is much more that can be done. Through partnerships with countries like China and Russia, Pakistan can tap into new technologies, enhance its digital infrastructure, and develop a knowledge-based economy that is capable of competing on the global stage.

Pakistan’s vision for its role within the SCO aligns closely with the organization’s overarching goals of promoting peace, development, and mutual progress. By fostering a climate of mutual trust and understanding, and addressing shared challenges through collective action, SCO member states can work towards building a more prosperous, stable, and secure region. Pakistan remains fully committed to contributing meaningfully to this vision and will continue to play a proactive role in advancing the SCO’s objectives.

Pakistan’s participation in the SCO is not only a testament to its commitment to regional cooperation and multilateralism but also an opportunity to expand its economic, security, and diplomatic horizons. The SCO summit provides a platform for Pakistan to strengthen its ties with member states, explore new opportunities for trade and investment, and contribute to collective security efforts. By working together, SCO member states can unlock the region’s full potential and create a future of shared prosperity and peace. Pakistan, with its strategic location, economic potential, and commitment to regional stability, will continue to play a leading role in making this vision a reality.

(Patron in Chief, Pakistan, Textile Exporters Association)