Successful summit

Pakistan’s successful hosting of the 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) marks a significant diplomatic achievement for the country. With heightened security concerns due to the resurgence of terrorism and a backdrop of prolonged political instability, the smooth execution of such an important multilateral event reflects Pakistan’s determination to showcase its resilience and its ability to engage on the global stage. The event also signals a hopeful shift towards economic stability after months of uncertainty. The SCO summit not only offered Pakistan an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with regional players but also highlighted the country’s strategic importance in regional cooperation. As an organisation dedicated to promoting political, economic, and security-related collaboration, the SCO presents a valuable platform for Pakistan, particularly in advancing economic ties and addressing shared regional challenges.

One of the more noteworthy aspects of this year’s meeting was the restrained and civil engagement between Pakistan and India. Despite their fraught relationship, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar refrained from making any controversial remarks and even extended thanks to Pakistan for its hospitality. This, combined with former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s recent statement advocating improved relations with India, has raised hopes among some analysts that a thaw in Indo-Pak relations could be on the horizon. However, while the cordiality observed at the SCO summit is a positive sign, much more substantive work is needed to address the longstanding issues that have kept the two nations at odds. The SCO, being a multilateral forum, is not the ideal setting for bilateral negotiations, but it did demonstrate the potential for more responsible and mature diplomacy between the neighbours.

For Pakistan, the summit’s significance goes beyond its relations with India. The joint declaration emphasised the importance of fostering a cooperative environment in the SCO region, stressing mutual respect, equal interaction, and adherence to international law. Member states expressed concerns over global challenges, including disrupted supply chains, protectionist trade policies, and the impact of unilateral sanctions. The declaration highlighted the need for collective efforts to counter these barriers, focusing on strengthening the multilateral trading system under the rules of the WTO. The focus on regional peace, security, and economic development aligns with Pakistan’s priorities. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s call for collective efforts in tackling poverty and stabilising the region underscores the government’s recognition of the interdependence between security and economic prosperity. With the world facing a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, platforms like the SCO offer member states an opportunity to address common challenges, from trade barriers to political instability. Importantly, the summit also provided an avenue for member states to critique the West’s dominance over global trade policies. The SCO, with influential members such as China and Russia, represents a significant portion of the global population and economies. For Pakistan, which has often felt the impact of global trade restrictions and economic sanctions, the SCO is a crucial platform to voice these concerns and push for a more balanced and equitable global economic system. As Pakistan basks in the diplomatic success of the SCO summit, it is essential to build on this momentum. While the summit showcased Pakistan’s ability to navigate regional diplomacy, the real test will lie in how effectively it can translate these engagements into tangible economic and security gains. The government must continue to prioritise regional cooperation, foster economic ties, and ensure that Pakistan remains a key player in platforms like the SCO.