By Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), Islamabad 08-10-2024

It is a great honor for Pakistan to host the 23rd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Council of Heads of Government (CHG) set to take place from 15-16 October 2024. This is a landmark event, marking the first time that Pakistan, a member since 2017, will be hosting such a prestigious summit.

Pakistan, as a responsible and significant member state, will be using this opportunity to solidify its standing within the SCO and demonstrate its capabilities in regional cooperation, economic collaboration, and diplomatic leadership. With the third-largest population among SCO member states, Pakistan is playing a key role in setting the stage for this summit to be a major success.

The event will bring together regional leaders from various SCO member states to discuss ways to enhance economic cooperation, foster socio-cultural exchanges, and address pressing regional challenges. As the second-highest decision-making forum in the SCO, the meeting presents Pakistan with an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen regional ties, elevate its international image, and promote long-term cooperation across multiple sectors.

The upcoming meeting of SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) is a pivotal moment for Pakistan to redefine its international role and significantly enhance its global standing. Pakistan is positioning itself as a key player in regional geopolitics and as a leading voice within the SCO. This summit provides Pakistan with an opportunity to showcase its diplomatic capabilities, promote its geographical and economic importance, and demonstrate its ability to lead regional cooperation efforts. Cooperation with SCO states is a priority for Pakistan, and the upcoming summit allows it to articulate its vision for stronger regional connectivity and mutually beneficial cooperation. Pakistan is a responsible regional actor committed and is key to peace, stability, and development.

The two-day meeting will see leaders from member countries gather in Islamabad, preceded by ministerial meetings and rounds of discussions at the senior official level. Pakistan’s role as the host country places it at the forefront of regional diplomatic efforts and allows it to take the lead in discussions aimed at fostering regional cooperation.

This summit represents a golden opportunity for Pakistan to strengthen its diplomatic ties, enhance regional connectivity, and promote economic development. It also provides Pakistan with a platform to address shared challenges such as security, trade, and cultural exchange. Pakistan’s geographical positioning as a bridge between South and Central Asia gives it a unique role in the SCO’s efforts to enhance regional cooperation.

Pakistan’s achievements and contributions to SCO

Since joining the SCO, Pakistan has played an active role in advancing the organization’s objectives, particularly in areas such as regional security, economic development, and cultural exchange. At the upcoming summit, Pakistan will reiterate its commitment to tackling regional challenges, including climate change, terrorism, and the reconstruction of Afghanistan. Pakistan will call for collective action to address these issues and emphasize the importance of regional cooperation in achieving sustainable development goals.

Historically, Pakistan has served as a vital bridge between South and Central Asia. The SCO summit will further solidify this role. As the SCO expands its focus beyond security to include economic and infrastructural development, Pakistan provides crucial linkages, with Gwadar Port set to become a key trade outlet for Central Asian states. Under the SCO framework, Islamabad can offer member states preferential access to Gwadar through the Trans-Afghan railway, enhancing trade routes and connectivity.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a tangible embodiment of this connectivity, and the SCO summit offers an opportunity to amplify Pakistan’s contribution to regional trade and commerce, fostering greater intra-regional connectivity, trade, and investment among SCO member states. Furthermore, Pakistan’s emphasis on the importance of collective action to mitigate the impacts of climate change reflects its commitment to addressing global challenges within the SCO framework.

Prospects of 23rd Meeting of SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG)

The 23rd meeting of SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) presents a significant opportunity for Pakistan to enhance its regional influence and further its economic and diplomatic goals. The summit will focus on key issues such as regional connectivity, trade, investment, and energy cooperation, all of which are areas where Pakistan can play a leading role. Pakistan is demonstrating its commitment to the principles and objectives of the SCO and its desire to contribute to the organization’s long-term success.

One of the key prospects of the summit is the potential for enhanced economic cooperation between Pakistan and other SCO member states. Pakistan’s strategic location and its role as a key transit hub make it an ideal partner for countries in Central Asia looking to access global markets. The development of trade routes, such as the trans-Afghan corridor, will further enhance Pakistan’s role as a vital player in regional economic development.

Additionally, Pakistan’s Gwadar Port stands to become an important trade outlet for Central Asian states, providing them with preferential access to global markets. Under the SCO framework, Pakistan can offer member states access to its ports, facilitating greater trade and investment in the region.

Pakistan has long been on the frontlines of the battle against regional terrorism. At the SCO summit, Islamabad will reaffirm its commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms, urging member states to strengthen collective efforts against the growing threats in the region.

Terrorism from Afghanistan poses a serious challenge to regional peace and security. In this regard, Pakistan will call for greater SCO unity and collaboration in counterterrorism strategies, intelligence sharing, and joint operations to address the evolving threats.

Pakistan’s hosting of the 23^rd meeting of SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) is a momentous occasion that will have long-lasting positive impacts on the country’s regional and international standing and role. The summit presents Pakistan with an opportunity to showcase its leadership within the SCO, strengthen its diplomatic ties, and further its strategic objectives in the region.

Pakistan is positioning itself as a leader in regional economic integration by urging for greater cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, energy, innovation, and transport. The success of the summit will reinforce Pakistan’s role as an important regional stakeholder and highlight its commitment to fostering peace, prosperity, and stability in the region.