ISLAMABAD: Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General, Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) has noted that Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) members’ trade had risen from $667 billion in 2001 to $6 trillion in 2022, demonstrating the organization’s increasing global relevance and economic heft.
He was addressing a roundtable discussion on “SCO: A Catalyst for Regional Integration and Connectivity” on Friday.
Distinguished experts, scholars and diplomats discussed the multifaceted role of the SCO in fostering regional cooperation, security, and economic integration.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, in his remarks, emphasized the SCO’s global salience, its growing organizational and substantive evolution, its significance as the largest transregional platform, and its prominence within the evolving multipolar global order.
He said that while ideal outcomes from multilateral platforms like the SCO are desirable, the realities and challenges must be acknowledged. He further added that patience is crucial, as the SCO, like other organizations, evolves at its own pace.
He said hosting the SCO-CHG meeting is a distinct honour for Pakistan and as the host country, it would ensure the summit’s successful outcome.
Dr. Saif Malik, Director of the Army Institute of Military History, addressed the challenges posed by extremist groups such as ISIS and ISKP and highlighted the need for a comprehensive SCO policy to fight these threats. He also discussed the complexities of regional geopolitics, especially the relations between Pakistan, China, India and Russia.
Amna Masood, Professor at the Faculty of Social Sciences, International Islamic University Islamabad, stressed the significance of leveraging the SCO forum to enhance Pakistan’s trade and technological partnerships with Central Asian and South Asian nations.
Dr. Uzma Siraj, Head of the International Relations Department at Federal Urdu University talked about the challenges and opportunities for SCO in promoting connectivity in the region. She outlined major areas for acceleration, including environmental sustainability, digital infrastructure, and educational exchanges, to foster greater cooperation in the region.
Ambassador Babar Amin, Pakistan’s First National Coordinator for SCO, in his keynote address, focused on Pakistan’s achievements during its chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of Government.
He mentioned Pakistan’s efforts in advancing economic cooperation, security initiatives, connectivity, despite regional challenges. The diplomat highlighted Pakistan’s strategic role in fostering transport links and regional security cooperation through the framework of the SCO.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of ISSI’s Board of Governors, in his concluding remarks, commended the timely organization of the roundtable ahead of the CHG Summit. He said the SCO has a critical role in addressing regional security and economic challenges, and stressed the need for greater coordination among member states to realize the full potential of the regional organization.
