By Sardar Abdul Khaliq Wasi
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), formally established in 2001, has grown into one of the world’s most influential regional platforms. Its origins go back to 1996 when the “Shanghai Five”—China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan—joined hands to build trust and stability. With Uzbekistan’s inclusion in 2001, the forum evolved into today’s SCO. It now unites countries representing a vast share of the world’s population and economy, while pursuing security cooperation, counterterrorism, economic integration, and cultural exchange.
Pakistan’s membership in the SCO was the result of a long-standing foreign policy goal. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s foresight secured Pakistan full membership in 2017. He recognized that the country’s geography and strategic role complemented the SCO’s mission, and his efforts ensured Pakistan a permanent seat at the table. This step remains a milestone in Pakistan’s external relations, enabling deeper regional partnerships.
At the recent summit, Pakistan’s representation was significant. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif led the delegation, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. Their presence together conveyed a strong message: Pakistan’s political and military leadership stands united in advancing peace, development, and cooperation in the region.
Speaking before the summit, Prime Minister Sharif put forward a vision anchored in inclusivity and cooperation. He declared that Pakistan aspired to lasting peace and prosperity, stressing that Islamabad seeks partnerships rather than rivalries. Poverty, unemployment, and climate change, he said, were the region’s most pressing challenges—and these could only be addressed through collective effort. He described the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a “game changer,” whose dividends would reach far beyond Pakistan itself.
Meetings on the sidelines carried their own weight. In talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, progress on the second phase of CPEC was reviewed, covering energy projects, infrastructure, and Special Economic Zones. Xi reaffirmed that the Pakistan–China bond was “higher than mountains and stronger than steel.” Prime Minister Sharif called China Pakistan’s most trusted partner, stressing that this relationship must remain a legacy for future generations. A notable development came when President Xi extended a special invitation to Field Marshal Asim Munir to attend China’s 80th anniversary parade commemorating resistance against Japanese forces—an unmistakable symbol of the extraordinary closeness of Sino–Pak military ties.
Equally important was the engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Discussions covered oil and gas supplies, defense cooperation, and enhanced trade. Moscow offered support in the energy sector, while Sharif emphasized Pakistan’s desire to elevate ties at a time of rising energy demand. Putin expressed Russia’s readiness to broaden cooperation and to contribute jointly to peace and stability in the wider region.
The Prime Minister’s meetings with leaders of Türkiye and Iran reinforced long-standing ties. With Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, both sides pledged to transform cultural and religious bonds into deeper economic partnerships, particularly in defense, education, tourism, and trade. Erdoğan reiterated that Türkiye regards Pakistan as a close brother and will always stand by it. With Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, discussions focused on the Iran–Pakistan gas pipeline, border trade, and counterterrorism. Both leaders agreed that expanding cooperation in energy and security is an urgent priority.
Pakistan also strengthened its outreach to Central Asia. In meetings with the presidents of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, discussions centered on transit trade, agriculture, academic exchanges, and access to global markets through Pakistani ports. These states recognized Pakistan’s geographic centrality as a regional gateway, while Pakistan expressed interest in their abundant energy resources. Such collaboration promises long-term prosperity for the entire region.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also played a visible role. Addressing the SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting, he drew attention to the economic pressures facing developing nations and proposed that the SCO establish a financial framework to support vulnerable economies. He also held separate meetings with Chinese, Iranian, and Central Asian counterparts to discuss investment, education, and financial cooperation.
Field Marshal Asim Munir, meanwhile, took part in detailed discussions on counterterrorism, joint military exercises, and security cooperation. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to safeguard CPEC and other regional initiatives. His presence demonstrated that Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership are fully aligned on strategic matters, presenting a unified national stance.
India’s participation was viewed through a cautious lens. Relations remain tense, yet Prime Minister Sharif avoided direct confrontation, remarking simply that “the SCO should serve as a platform for cooperation, not confrontation.” The message was clear: Pakistan would not allow hostilities to overshadow its commitment to diplomacy and peace.
The summit concluded with a joint declaration that addressed a broad agenda. Member states reaffirmed commitments to counterterrorism, energy cooperation, climate change mitigation, digital connectivity, and cross-border peace. Pakistan fully endorsed these points, emphasizing that regional prosperity will only come from implementing them in practice.
For Pakistan, this summit was more than a diplomatic gathering—it was a statement of intent. The combined roles of Prime Minister Sharif’s leadership, Ishaq Dar’s diplomacy, and Field Marshal Munir’s strategic engagement projected Pakistan as a proactive, constructive, and unified regional force. Not only did Islamabad’s message resonate effectively, but new doors of cooperation were opened with key partners. The outcomes of the summit are expected to strengthen Pakistan’s economy, diplomacy, and security in the years ahead.
