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SCO Summit in Pakistan: A Critical Turning Point Amid Global Shifts | Opinion

By Qaiser Nawab|Oct 19,2024

Mr. Qaiser Nawab is the President of the Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development (BRISD) and an international Expert on multilateralism and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. (Photo/Qaiser Nawab)

The recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit held in Pakistan comes at a pivotal time in global politics, reflecting the growing importance of Eurasian multilateral cooperation. Against the backdrop of ongoing international tensions—especially with the West—the summit focused on pressing issues like regional stability, economic integration, and security, all within the context of a shifting world order.

As the world moves toward a more multipolar structure, organizations like the SCO provide alternatives to the traditional Western-led frameworks of international diplomacy. The SCO’s founding principles, centered on mutual respect for sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs, have become more significant given current global developments. The rising tensions between China, Russia, and Western countries over issues such as trade, sanctions, and political influence have made the SCO a key platform for countries seeking independent policies.

Pakistan’s role as the host underscores its strategic relevance in regional diplomacy. Geopolitically situated at the crossroads of Central and South Asia, Pakistan is not only a core member of the SCO but also a vital player in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). As such, the summit was an opportunity for Islamabad to showcase its importance in facilitating regional connectivity and contributing to security dialogues.

Security concerns were central to discussions, particularly given the complex dynamics in Afghanistan, a shared concern for many SCO member states. The Taliban’s return to power has created uncertainty and fears of instability spilling into neighboring countries. For Pakistan, managing the fallout from the situation in Afghanistan, including refugee flows and cross-border extremism, is crucial. The SCO has consistently advocated for counterterrorism cooperation, embodied in its Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), which facilitates intelligence-sharing and coordination among member states.

However, the divergent security interests of member states, such as India and Pakistan, present a persistent challenge to cohesive action. India’s strategic objectives often align more with Western powers, particularly the U.S., which complicates unified counterterrorism efforts within the SCO. Nonetheless, the summit emphasized the need for collaborative approaches to safeguard regional stability.

Economic cooperation, a key component of the SCO’s agenda, was heavily emphasized during the summit. The organization has long championed the idea of regional economic integration as a means to reduce dependency on Western markets and create an interconnected Eurasian economy. Pakistan has been a vocal advocate for greater connectivity across the region, particularly through infrastructure projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship BRI initiative. 

The discussions at the summit reflected a growing desire among member states to capitalize on these infrastructure projects to boost trade and improve regional connectivity. However, the geopolitical complexities of Afghanistan, which remains a vital transit point, continue to hinder progress. Despite these challenges, there is optimism that long-term regional integration efforts could unlock significant economic potential, provided that security concerns are addressed.

China’s economic heft within the SCO has been both a strength and a point of contention. While China’s BRI offers critical funding and infrastructure support to many member states, it has also raised concerns about economic dependency. For Pakistan, CPEC has been a lifeline for development, but it has also faced criticism for creating debt obligations. The SCO must navigate these complexities if it hopes to deliver on its promise of mutual economic growth.

Energy security was another key topic at the summit, as members seek to diversify their energy sources amid global market volatility. The war in Ukraine has upended traditional energy flows, particularly for Russia, a key player in global energy markets. With Europe now shifting its energy partnerships, Russia is looking increasingly toward China, India, and other SCO member states to fill the gap.

For Pakistan, energy security remains a top priority, especially as it grapples with a growing demand for affordable and reliable energy. Collaboration within the SCO offers avenues to explore alternative energy partnerships and secure vital energy supplies. However, energy cooperation within the SCO will require careful management of the differing priorities and capacities of member states.

In addition to energy security, environmental concerns featured in the summit discussions. Climate change poses a shared threat to the region, particularly for countries like Pakistan, which has been severely impacted by extreme weather events. Pakistan’s advocacy for climate adaptation measures within the SCO reflects its urgent need for collective action on environmental resilience, as the country continues to recover from devastating floods and extreme heatwaves.

The outcomes of the SCO summit in Pakistan suggest both opportunities and challenges ahead for the organization. On one hand, the SCO provides a critical forum for addressing security and economic concerns without the influence of Western powers. This makes it an attractive platform for countries seeking to avoid the geopolitical entanglements of the U.S. or Europe. On the other hand, internal divisions within the SCO, particularly between India and Pakistan, complicate the organization’s ability to function as a cohesive bloc.

The SCO’s future success will depend on how well it can manage these internal contradictions while advancing its broader goals of regional stability and economic cooperation. The organization has the potential to be a force for peace and development in Eurasia, but only if it can navigate the complex political landscape that defines the region.

The 2024 SCO summit in Pakistan highlighted the delicate balancing act that the organization must perform to remain relevant in an increasingly divided global order. As member states grapple with their own national interests and external pressures, the SCO continues to serve as a platform for dialogue and cooperation. For Pakistan, the summit reinforced its strategic role within Eurasian geopolitics, particularly as a key partner in regional connectivity and security efforts.

While the challenges are significant, the summit also demonstrated that the SCO remains a vital player in shaping the future of Eurasia. As the world moves toward a more multipolar structure, the organization will need to find ways to reconcile its internal differences and advance its ambitious agenda for regional cooperation and development.

About Author: Mr. Qaiser Nawab is the President of the Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development (BRISD) and an international Expert on multilateralism and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. 

The article reflects the author's opinions, and not necessarily the views of iChongqing and Bridging News.


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