By Hasan Muhammad

 

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), founded in 2001 by China and Russia, has grown into a key Eurasian platform for political, economic, and security cooperation. The SCO is the world's largest regional entity, spanning 80% of Eurasia and representing 40% of the global population. Its influence extends beyond mere geography; the SCO's combined GDP, based on purchasing power parity, now accounts for roughly 32% of the world economy as of 2023. This economic clout, coupled with its strategic position in global politics, makes the SCO a formidable player in shaping the future.

 

This year, Pakistan is set to host the SCO summit from October 15-16, marking its first chance to lead the event since joining as a full member in 2017. Following India's chairmanship in 2023, Islamabad's role in this year's summit is both symbolic and strategic. For Pakistan, this summit offers more than a diplomatic showcase. It serves as a platform to reaffirm its commitment to regional stability and multilateral dialogue. The gathering of leaders from major powers - China, Russia, India, and Iran, among others - reflects the broader geopolitical implications of this organization.

 

As Islamabad steps into the spotlight as a host, it has an opportunity to shape discussions on key issues like security, development, and economic cooperation.  Pakistan's role in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has consistently reflected its commitment to regional security and development. This summit is more than just a diplomatic event - it offers an opportunity for Pakistan to strengthen its ties with powerful neighbors like China and Russia while engaging with Central Asian countries on issues that matter most: security, trade, and cultural collaboration.

 

As the SCO summit approaches, Pakistan's ability to facilitate constructive dialogue will be critical, not just for its own standing, but for the broader aims of regional cooperation and stability. Given its strategic location, Pakistan has long acted as a bridge between South and Central Asia. The upcoming summit only solidifies that role. What's particularly interesting is how the SCO's evolving agenda now mirrors Pakistan's own interests, especially in the realms of counter-terrorism, economic development and infrastructure. As the organization widens its scope beyond just security, Pakistan stands at a crossroads - literally - as a key player in the region's energy and trade networks.

 

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a prime example of this. It's a lifeline connecting Central Asia to the Indian Ocean, making Pakistan an indispensable link in regional trade. With China, the most dominant force within the SCO, as a close partner, Pakistan is poised to leverage this relationship further. By aligning itself with China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Pakistan is pushing for more regional connectivity, encouraging trade and investment across SCO member states.

 

This summit might just be Pakistan's moment to shine.  It's a testament to the growing necessity of regional cooperation in a fractured world. The organization's original focus - combating terrorism, extremism, and separatism - remains at its core, and the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure plays a crucial role in that fight. It's not just a diplomatic initiative; it's an active, living framework for intelligence sharing and collective counterterrorism measures. Pakistan, a key participant in China's Belt and Road Initiative, offers a geographic and strategic advantage. Situated at the crossroads of South and Central Asia, it plays a pivotal role in stabilizing the region, especially in counterterrorism efforts.

 

SCO thrives on the notion of fairness and broad-minded tolerance, standing as a testament to the power of multilateralism in a time when many prefer the comfort of isolationism. In an era of global uncertainty, the SCO's growing influence and appeal seem not only relevant but essential.

 

As geopolitical tensions flare, the SCO stands firm in its commitment to security, bolstered by China's Global Security Initiative. This approach emphasizes a cooperative and sustainable security framework, one that favors dialogue over conflict and inclusiveness over division. What sets the SCO apart is its rejection of the insular policies adopted by some nations - those "small courtyards with high walls." Instead, the SCO champions openness, scientific innovation, and economic connectivity.