SCO Summit: Pakistan's leadership opportunity

Pakistan is set to host a significant event in the international diplomatic arena - the heads of government meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on October 15-16. The gathering will not only serve as a platform for discussions on regional issues but will also provide Pakistan with an opportunity to redefine its position in the complex geopolitical landscape.

The SCO member states collectively account for 40% of the global population and around 32% of the world's GDP, offering its members a critical chance to play a significant role in shaping the future direction of the world.

The objectives of the SCO extend beyond mere economic collaboration; it aims to address security concerns; enhance regional stability; and foster socio-cultural linkages among its member states. This multifaceted approach reflects the organisation's commitment to effectively tackle challenges posed by terrorism, regional conflicts and other forms of instability.

The origins of the SCO can be traced back to the Shanghai Five, a framework established in 1996 by China, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. Uzbekistan's accession in 2001 marked the transformation of the organisation into what we know today as the SCO.

Over the years, the SCO has expanded to include India and Pakistan in 2017, with Iran joining in 2023 and Belarus expected to follow suit in the near future. This expansion underscores the organisation's increasing importance as a platform for regional cooperation and dialogue among nations that share diverse political, economic and cultural interests.

Among the topics set for discussion at the summit are crucial issues related to security, economic collaboration and environmental concerns. Member states will focus on strategies to combat terrorism; enhance regional stability; and facilitate trade and investment initiatives.

As the host nation for the upcoming summit, Pakistan is presented with a unique opportunity to position itself as a vital connector in the region by facilitating dialogue around economic cooperation, trade connectivity and youth engagement.

The summit is poised to attract attention not only for its discussions on regional issues but also for the organisational decisions that will be adopted to enhance cooperation among member states.

However, the potential for Pakistan to strengthen its position within the SCO is complicated by India's complex relationship with its neighbours. India, as a significant player within the SCO, has recently exhibited hesitance regarding its involvement.

This shift in attitude is particularly evident in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to skip the recent Astana summit and the shift of the last year's SCO summit to a virtual format. Such moves raise questions about India's commitment to the SCO framework and its ability to navigate the intricate dynamics between regional cooperation and its bilateral tensions with China and Pakistan.

India's historical reluctance to engage fully with the SCO - largely driven by its suspicions of China's influence - could prove detrimental to the broader goals of the organisation. While India continues to navigate its ties with the SCO cautiously, it cannot ignore the fact that the organisation holds the potential for meaningful collaboration on pressing regional issues. The need for collective efforts to combat terrorism and address ongoing conflicts cannot be overstated, especially in a region where stability is frequently threatened by geopolitical rivalries.

India's bilateral conflicts with Pakistan and China not only undermine its proclaimed priorities in the organisation but also raise questions about its long-term commitment to regional cooperation.

The West's perspective on the SCO further complicates matters. The organisation is increasingly viewed as a strategic alliance designed to counterbalance US influence in the region, raising concerns among Western nations about its objectives.

Western nations, particularly the United States, have expressed skepticism about the SCO's intentions, viewing it as a vehicle for China and Russia to expand their influence in Eurasia. This perspective is compounded by the organisation's increasing membership, which includes countries that have historically been at odds with the West. As a result, Western countries may not be inclined to support the SCO's initiatives, potentially undermining its effectiveness as a platform for regional cooperation.

The Council of SCO Heads of State has made declarations calling for a "new democratic and fair political and economic world order", intensifying Western apprehensions about the organisation's potential effectiveness.

By positioning itself as a mediator and facilitator of dialogue among SCO member states, Pakistan can help alleviate some of the Western concerns about the organisation's objectives.

The upcoming SCO meeting in Pakistan represents more than just an opportunity for dialogue; it is a chance to redefine the organisation's role in the current geopolitical climate. The gathering of heads of government will undoubtedly be a platform for discussing key issues, but it is equally important for member states to come together in a spirit of cooperation and mutual benefit.

The collective strength of the SCO can only be realised through collaborative initiatives that promote regional integration and shared prosperity. For Pakistan, this means fostering an environment where open dialogue and collaboration can flourish, allowing member states to address pressing issues such as terrorism, trade barriers and environmental sustainability.

Ultimately, the outcomes of this meeting could shape the future trajectory of the SCO, reinforcing the importance of multilateralism in an increasingly complex world.

As Pakistan prepares to host this significant event, it must embrace its role as a facilitator of dialogue and cooperation, setting the stage for a more united and prosperous region. By doing so, Pakistan not only can elevate its own standing within the international community but can also contribute to the collective success of the SCO in addressing the pressing challenges of our time.