A Quick Guide to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is one of the world’s largest and most influential intergovernmental organizations, with a focus on security, political stability, and economic development. Founded in 2001, the SCO was initially a security alliance but has since expanded its mandate to cover economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and regional stability. Comprising China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, and Pakistan, the SCO represents a significant portion of the global population and economic output, with its member states covering nearly 40% of the world’s population and about 25% of global GDP.

As an organization rooted in Eurasia, the SCO has been an important player in shaping geopolitical dynamics in this critical region, which stretches from the borders of Europe through Central Asia to China and India. This broad membership gives the SCO the potential to influence not just regional but also global politics, particularly as the world’s political landscape becomes more multipolar and less dominated by Western powers.

The Context: Why the SCO Was Formed

The origins of the SCO can be traced back to the late 1990s, when China and Russia, along with several Central Asian republics, sought to create a framework for managing cross-border issues, especially security concerns related to terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Over time, this group expanded to include economic cooperation, infrastructure development, and cultural exchanges, creating a more comprehensive framework for regional stability.

The inclusion of India and Pakistan in 2017 was a significant expansion, bringing two nuclear-armed rivals under the SCO umbrella. Despite their historical tensions, the SCO has provided a platform for both nations to engage diplomatically, particularly on issues related to regional security and economic cooperation.

The 2024 SCO Summit in Islamabad: A Defining Moment for Pakistan

In October 2024, Pakistan is hosting the SCO Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad, marking a significant diplomatic moment for the country. This summit comes at a time when Pakistan is grappling with internal economic challenges and external security threats, but it also provides an opportunity for the nation to present itself as a capable player on the global stage.

Hosting the SCO summit allows Pakistan to showcase its ability to manage complex international events and to promote its geopolitical and economic interests. It also provides a platform for Pakistan to strengthen its relations with major powers like China and Russia while reinforcing its role as a bridge between South Asia and Central Asia​

Why Pakistan’s Role in the SCO Matters?

For Pakistan, its involvement in the SCO is more than just participating in a regional alliance; it serves as a platform to boost its geopolitical standing, strengthen economic ties, and secure its place in the Global South—a term that refers to developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Pakistan’s geographical position makes it a key player, connecting Central Asia with the Indian Ocean.

This year’s SCO Heads of Government meeting, which is being held in Islamabad on October 15 and 16, is particularly important for Pakistan as it allows the country to showcase its diplomatic potential and leadership in the region. Hosting the event is seen as a significant achievement for Pakistan and a way to enhance its image globally, positioning itself as a key player in the security and economic discussions in the region.

Key Takeaways from the 2024 SCO Summit

The 2024 SCO summit is a milestone for Pakistan. With leaders from China, Russia, India, Central Asia, and other countries attending, Pakistan has an opportunity to strengthen its bilateral relationships. During the summit, discussions will revolve around regional security, economic partnerships, and potential collaborations in infrastructure projects.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is expected to play a major role in these discussions, reinforcing Pakistan’s role as a trade and energy hub for Central Asia. This is part of Pakistan’s broader goal of using its geographical advantage to foster regional connectivity and economic growth. Additionally, the summit has brought Pakistan closer to its key ally China, with both countries focusing on enhancing their strategic cooperation​

Pakistan’s Strategic Importance in the SCO

Pakistan’s geographical position makes it a crucial player in the SCO. Located at the crossroads of South and Central Asia, Pakistan has long served as a bridge between the two regions. This role is particularly important in the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). CPEC not only provides China with a direct route to the Indian Ocean but also serves as a critical trade and energy corridor linking Central Asia to global markets.

During the ongoing SCO summit in Islamabad, discussions are expected to focus heavily on regional connectivity and economic cooperation, with CPEC playing a central role. Pakistan’s ability to position itself as a hub for regional trade could significantly boost its economic prospects, especially at a time when the country is facing serious economic challenges.

SCO’s Impact on Pakistan’s Economic Development

The SCO’s focus on economic cooperation provides Pakistan with several opportunities for growth. The organization has facilitated greater trade between member states and has opened new markets for Pakistani goods and services. Additionally, Pakistan stands to benefit from the infrastructure projects initiated under the Belt and Road Initiative, many of which are closely aligned with the goals of the SCO.

One of the key areas of discussion at the 2024 summit is likely to be energy cooperation. Pakistan is seeking to enhance its energy security by tapping into the energy resources of Central Asia, particularly natural gas from countries like Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. The SCO provides a framework for these kinds of energy partnerships, which could help Pakistan address its chronic energy shortages.

Moreover, as a member of the SCO, Pakistan is in a better position to attract foreign investment, particularly from China and Russia. Both countries have shown a keen interest in investing in Pakistan’s infrastructure, energy, and technology sectors, and the SCO summit provides an ideal platform for Pakistan to promote these opportunities to international investors.

Security Cooperation and Counter-Terrorism Efforts

While economic cooperation is a key focus of the SCO, the organization’s roots lie in regional security, particularly in combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism. For Pakistan, this aspect of the SCO’s mission is particularly important given the country’s ongoing battle against domestic terrorism and its strategic location near conflict-prone Afghanistan.

Pakistan has been an active participant in the SCO’s security initiatives, particularly through the organization’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), which coordinates intelligence sharing and joint counter-terrorism exercises among member states. The Islamabad summit is expected to reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to regional security and to emphasize the importance of collaboration in addressing the shared threat of terrorism.

SCO as a Platform for Multilateral Diplomacy

The SCO offers Pakistan a unique platform for multilateral diplomacy, enabling it to engage with major global powers like China and Russia while also maintaining dialogue with its South Asian rival, India. Although relations between Pakistan and India remain tense, the SCO provides a rare forum where both countries can discuss issues of mutual concern, such as regional security and trade.

In recent years, Pakistan has used its participation in the SCO to balance its foreign policy, particularly as it seeks to strengthen ties with China while also managing its relationship with the United States. The SCO summit in Islamabad is an opportunity for Pakistan to further diversify its diplomatic engagements and to position itself as a key player in regional and global affairs​.

The Importance of the Global South for Pakistan

As the world moves toward a more multipolar order, with growing tensions between the Western world and rising powers in Asia, the SCO has emerged as an important platform for countries in the Global South to assert their influence. For Pakistan, aligning itself with the SCO allows it to strengthen its ties with major non-Western powers like China and Russia, while also deepening its engagement with other developing countries in Central Asia, South Asia, and beyond.

At a time when Western-led organizations such as NATO and the G7 dominate global politics, the SCO provides an alternative framework for Pakistan to pursue its foreign policy objectives. This is particularly important as Pakistan seeks to reduce its dependency on Western financial institutions and to develop new economic partnerships in Asia and the broader Global South​.

The Future of Pakistan’s Role in the SCO

Looking ahead, Pakistan’s role in the SCO is likely to grow, particularly as the organization continues to expand its focus beyond security into areas such as economic development, infrastructure, and cultural exchange. Pakistan’s active participation in the SCO aligns with its broader foreign policy goals of promoting regional cooperation, enhancing economic connectivity, and ensuring security and stability in the region.

The 2024 SCO summit in Islamabad is a pivotal moment for Pakistan. It not only highlights the country’s strategic importance within the SCO but also provides an opportunity for Pakistan to strengthen its ties with key regional powers, attract foreign investment, and promote its economic and security interests on the global stage. As the SCO evolves and takes on a more prominent role in global geopolitics, Pakistan’s participation in the organization will be crucial for its long-term economic development and regional stability. The Islamabad summit is just the beginning of what could be a new era of regional cooperation for Pakistan.