As Pakistan assumes the rotating chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s (SCO) Council of Heads of Government in 2024, it marks a significant moment for both the country and the regional bloc. This analysis examines Pakistan’s role within the SCO and the implications of its chairmanship, culminating in the Council meeting scheduled for October 2024 in Islamabad.
The SCO, founded in 2001, has evolved into a prominent Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance. Pakistan joined as a full member in 2017, signalling its commitment to regional cooperation and its strategic pivot towards Eurasia.
Pakistan’s Role in the SCO:
- Geopolitical Significance: Pakistan’s membership enhances the SCO’s geopolitical footprint, bridging South Asia with Central Asia and providing a crucial link to the Arabian Sea.
- Economic Cooperation: Pakistan offers the potential to expand SCO’s economic corridors, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
- Security Collaboration: As a frontline state in counter-terrorism efforts, Pakistan contributes to the SCO’s security objectives, particularly in combating extremism and drug trafficking.
- Cultural Exchange: Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage adds diversity to the SCO’s socio-cultural tapestry, promoting people-to-people contacts among member states.
2024 Chairmanship and October Summit
Pakistan’s chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in 2024 presents both opportunities and challenges:
- Agenda Setting: As chair, Pakistan has the opportunity to shape the agenda of the October 2024 summit, potentially focusing on issues crucial to its national interests and the region’s development.
- Economic Focus: The summit is expected to prioritize financial and economic cooperation, aligning with Pakistan’s need for economic stability and growth.
- Socio-Cultural Initiatives: Pakistan may leverage its position to promote cultural and educational exchanges within the SCO framework.
- Diplomatic Balancing Act: Hosting the summit requires Pakistan to navigate complex relationships, particularly between India and China, both SCO members.
- Infrastructure and Security: Organizing a high-profile international event will test Pakistan’s infrastructural capacity and security apparatus.
Preparatory Meetings
The October Summit will be preceded by:
- A Ministerial meeting, likely focusing on aligning policy objectives among member states.
- Several rounds of senior officials’ meetings, addressing specific areas of cooperation. These preparatory meetings are crucial for building consensus and preparing concrete proposals for the main summit.
Key Areas of Focus
- Financial Cooperation: Discussions may include initiatives to enhance trade in local currencies and develop SCO financial institutions.
- Economic Collaboration: Emphasis on expanding trade, investment, and connectivity projects among SCO members.
- Socio-Cultural Exchange: Programs to boost educational partnerships, cultural events, and tourism within the SCO space.
- Humanitarian Cooperation: Joint efforts in disaster management, public health, and poverty alleviation could be on the agenda.
Pakistan’s chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in 2024 represents a significant diplomatic opportunity. The October summit in Islamabad will be a test of Pakistan’s diplomatic acumen and its ability to contribute meaningfully to regional cooperation. Success in this role could enhance Pakistan’s standing within the SCO and on the broader international stage, while also advancing the organization’s goals of promoting regional stability, economic growth, and cultural exchange.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming summit, global attention will be focused on how Pakistan seizes this opportunity to tackle regional challenges and promote enhanced cooperation among member states of the SCO.
