The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a political, economic, and security alliance founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It aims to promote regional stability, combat terrorism, and enhance economic cooperation among member states. The SCO fosters collaboration on various issues, including trade, energy, and cultural exchanges. Since its inception, the organization has expanded to include Pakistan and India as full members, with several other countries holding observer or dialogue partner status.
The SCO encompasses a diverse and populous region, representing nearly half of the world’s population. Its member states include China and India, the two most populous countries globally, along with Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan. With a total population surpassing 3 billion people, approximately 42% of the global population resides within SCO member states. Moreover, the collective economy of SCO countries constitutes more than 24% of the world economy. The SCO region spans across major urban centers like Beijing, Moscow, Delhi, and Karachi, as well as vast rural areas in Central Asia. The population dynamics within the SCO are marked by rapid urbanization, significant youth populations, and varied economic development levels, influencing the organization’s collaborative efforts and policy initiatives.
The SCO Summit 2024 was a pivotal gathering of heads of state and government officials from the member countries. Scheduled to take place in Kazan, Russia, the summit aimed to address critical regional and global issues, including security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange. As the world navigates post-pandemic recovery and geopolitical tensions, the SCO Summit 2024 provided a platform for fostering collaboration and enhancing mutual trust among member states. Key agenda items included counter-terrorism measures, trade partnerships, technological innovation, and sustainable development initiatives. Additionally, the summit focused on expanding the SCO’s influence by engaging with observer states and dialogue partners.
The SCO Summit has presented significant opportunities for Pakistan to enhance its regional and global standing. As a full member since 2017, Pakistan has been benefiting from the platform’s focus on regional security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange. The summit provides Pakistan with the opportunity to strengthen its bilateral relations with neighboring countries, particularly India, China and Russia and to explore new trade and investment avenues. Moreover, the summit allows Pakistan to play a more active role in regional security discussions, contributing to counter-terrorism and anti-narcotics efforts. Being fully aware of the strategic significance of SCO, Pakistan’s top brass has been keen to utilize the platform to rebrand Pakistan’s identity as an emerging regional economy.
As of 2023, Pakistan’s GDP stands at approximately $376 billion, making it the 42nd largest economy globally. The agriculture sector, which employs about 36% of the labor force, contributes around 20% to GDP. Pakistan is one of the world’s leading producers of textiles. Moreover, the services sector is the largest component of Pakistan’s economy, contributing about 55% to GDP. By 2030, Pakistan’s economy is projected to undergo significant transformations where GDP is expected to grow to approximately $600 billion. The industrial sector is poised for substantial expansion, projected to account for nearly 30% of GDP. Trade dynamics are expected to evolve, with exports projected to reach $60 billion and imports around $100 billion. Enhanced trade relationships, particularly within the SCO and other regional partnerships, will be crucial.
As a member state of SCO, Pakistan has a humongous potential of improving its ties with neighboring countries, especially India. India and Pakistan’s relations under the SCO Summit are complex but offer opportunities for engagement and dialogue. After the failure of SAARC in South Asia, the SCO provides a neutral platform where India and Pakistan can discuss and potentially collaborate on common challenges such as terrorism, drug trafficking, and regional stability. Economically, the SCO framework allows India and Pakistan to explore trade and investment opportunities, potentially benefiting from regional connectivity projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
The future of India-Pakistan relations under the SCO holds cautious optimism. While deep-seated political and historical tensions persist, the SCO provides a structured, neutral platform for dialogue and cooperation. Engagement in joint initiatives on counter-terrorism, regional stability, and economic development could foster incremental trust and collaboration. However, significant progress depends on sustained diplomatic efforts and the willingness of both nations to prioritize regional over bilateral conflicts. China and Russia must leverage their influence within the SCO to bring Pakistan and India closer by promoting dialogue and cooperation.
The SCO Summit 2024 stands as a crucial event for fostering regional cooperation and addressing shared challenges. The summit’s outcomes are expected to influence the geopolitical landscape of Eurasia, promoting stability and prosperity. At the same time, the SCO Summit 2024 underscores the potential for India and Pakistan to engage constructively on regional issues within a multilateral framework. While bilateral tensions persist, the summit offers opportunities for dialogue and cooperation. The future of India-Pakistan relations within the SCO hinges on sustained diplomatic efforts and mutual willingness to prioritize regional stability over historical disputes.
