Islamabad Prepares for SCO Council Talks

By: Amjad Rana
The SCO meeting in Islamabad presents Pakistan with numerous opportunities to enhance its diplomatic, economic, and security standing. However, it also poses challenges, particularly in managing regional tensions and expectations. The outcomes of the meeting will have lasting implications for Pakistan’s foreign policy and regional dynamics, shaping the country’s trajectory in the coming years. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the Jinnah Convention Center on Saturday to assess arrangements for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting, scheduled to take place in Islamabad on October 15-16. During the visit, the Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefed the prime minister on the preparations, The prime minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar, and other relevant officials. Expressing satisfaction with the preparations, Prime Minister Shehbaz lauded the efforts made to ensure the successful hosting of the SCO meeting. As the current Chair of the CHG, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will preside over the twenty-third meeting of the Council of Heads of Government. Member states will be represented by the prime ministers of China, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, along with the First Vice President of Iran and India’s External Affairs Minister. The Prime Minister of Mongolia (an observer state) and Turkmenistan’s Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Minister (as a special guest) will also attend. Prime Minister Shehbaz will hold bilateral meetings with key visiting dignitaries on the sidelines of the event. The meeting will focus on enhancing cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, environment, and socio-cultural linkages, while also reviewing the performance of the organization. The upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad has several potential solutions for Pakistan and the broader region. The meeting will facilitate bilateral discussions between Pakistan and various SCO member states, potentially strengthening diplomatic and economic ties. By hosting influential leaders, Pakistan can bolster its relationships with countries like China, Russia, and India, which can lead to increased trade and investment opportunities. The focus on economic cooperation can lead to new trade agreements and partnerships, enhancing Pakistan’s access to regional markets. Discussions may center on regional connectivity projects, improving infrastructure and transportation links that benefit Pakistan’s economy. The SCO emphasizes security cooperation, which may foster collaborative efforts to combat terrorism and extremism in the region, enhancing security for Pakistan and its neighbors. The outcomes of the meeting could shift regional power dynamics, especially regarding relationships with major players like the US, Russia, and China, affecting Pakistan’s foreign policy strategy. Successfully hosting the SCO meeting can enhance Pakistan’s stature within the organization, allowing it to play a more significant role in shaping SCO policies and initiatives. Pakistan may be able to influence discussions on critical issues, including economic cooperation and security, which could benefit its national interests. The smooth conduct of the SCO meeting can enhance the government’s image domestically, projecting stability and effective governance, which is crucial for public support. The event can promote national pride and unity, rallying various political factions around a common goal of successful international engagement. The meeting can elevate Pakistan’s profile on the international stage, demonstrating its capacity to host significant diplomatic events and engage with global leaders. A successful meeting may attract foreign investment, as international businesses often look favorably on countries that can host high-level events and maintain diplomatic relations. With India’s participation, there may be tensions, especially regarding Kashmir and other bilateral issues. The meeting could be a platform for either confrontation or dialogue. The presence of major powers like Russia and China may provoke reactions from Western nations, influencing geopolitical alignments and strategies in the region. Conduct preliminary meetings with key member states to align interests and priorities, ensuring smoother discussions during the SCO meeting. Establish a dedicated forum within the SCO framework to address contentious issues, especially between member states like India and Pakistan. Propose specific bilateral trade agreements with key countries (e.g., China, Russia, and Iran) to boost economic ties and mutual benefits. Advocate for the establishment of infrastructure projects that enhance regional connectivity, such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and seek investment commitments from SCO members. Propose joint initiatives for counter-terrorism and security collaboration among member states, leveraging the SCO’s existing framework. Establish mechanisms for intelligence sharing on security threats, particularly related to terrorism and organized crime. Position Pakistan as a proactive leader by proposing actionable agendas and solutions during the meeting, enhancing its standing within the SCO. Promote cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts among member states to build mutual understanding and goodwill. Engage in public outreach to inform citizens about the significance of the SCO meeting and its potential benefits for the country, fostering a sense of national pride. Ensure representation of various political factions and civil society groups in discussions leading up to the meeting, promoting unity and inclusivity. Engage with global powers like the US and EU to communicate Pakistan’s positive role in regional stability, seeking support for its initiatives in the SCO. Conduct a diplomatic outreach campaign targeting key global players to ensure that Pakistan’s voice and interests are heard in international forums. Advocate for the establishment of a conflict mediation mechanism within the SCO to manage disputes among member states effectively. Maintain a balanced foreign policy that engages both SCO members and other global powers, ensuring that Pakistan is not overly reliant on any single alliance. Encourage discussions around sustainable development initiatives, emphasizing the importance of economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability. Propose collaborative projects in health and education sectors to improve socio-cultural linkages among member states. Pakistan can leverage the SCO meeting to enhance its diplomatic relations, boost economic cooperation, and strengthen regional security. A proactive and inclusive approach will help address potential challenges while maximizing the opportunities presented by hosting such a significant event.