The involvement of Pakistan with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has emerged as an important component of Pakistani foreign policy. The regional block is now a platform through which Pakistan can increase its diplomatic clout. This also serves to promote the security interests and economic interests of Pakistan. Pakistan has used its SCO membership to present an image of stability amidst global geopolitical tension. It has developed strategic relations with major players in the region. Pakistan is also continuing to show its significance in the emerging multipolar world order via the SCO.
Turning Security Challenges into Diplomatic Success
Pakistan managed to host the 2024 SCO summit in Islamabad despite its intense internal security issues and political instability. This proved its robust diplomatic strength and operating capabilities. A significant event took place a few days before the Summit when Chinese nationals were killed in an attack by the Fitna-al-Hindustan, formerly known as BLA, near Karachi airport. Meanwhile, the security situation was further complicated by the potential threat of massive protests by the followers of the former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
As a reaction, Pakistan took exceptional security precautions. More than 10,000 Security Personnel were stationed in various strategic points. These were extended to make sure that Chinese, Russian, Indian, Iranian, and Central Asian state leaders could safely attend the summit. The successful hosting of the summit transformed the diplomatic risk into a major success. It demonstrated that Pakistan can safely conduct a high-profile international event. This was an operational success that increased the international credibility of Pakistan. Maleeha Lodhi, a former diplomat, observed that the summit raised the diplomatic status of Pakistan and demonstrated its active role in multilateral forums.
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Economic Integration and CPEC Amplification
The SCO has emerged as one of the major platforms through which Pakistan can pursue its economic ambitions, including enhancing the significance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as part of the wider Eurasian connectivity. Pakistan is one of the countries that is also taking advantage of the SCO in order to expand into the markets of Central Asia, which have a great consumer base as well as energy resources. SCO has a systemic method through which Pakistan is able to ease trade barriers and grow economically. It also assists Pakistan in signing vital energy cooperation agreements with the Central Asian states, which can alleviate the ongoing energy shortages in Pakistan.
Source: Business Recorder
Pakistan has emphasized CPEC as one of the core projects facilitating the SCO connectivity objectives at the SCO summits. An example of symbolic gestures was the virtual inauguration of Gwadar International Airport as part of the 2023 summit. Security concerns forced the event to be virtual, but it highlighted the strategic role of CPEC in the infrastructure vision of the SCO. This has made Pakistan more successful in encouraging investment by other members of the SCO into the second phase of CPEC, especially in special economic zones and industrial collaboration projects.
Source: Centreline
Pakistan’s SCO outreach opens up many economic opportunities. In trade, they have an opportunity to expand exports that are currently worth $3 billion to $15 billion by tapping into new markets. In energy, Pakistan will have the opportunity to lessen its reliance on expensive fuel imports and exploit oil and gas fields in Central Asia. On the digital front, Pakistan has a chance and opportunity to cooperate with SCO countries in developing 5G and setting up data centers, supporting its new technology sector. With these efforts, the SCO is assisting Pakistan in turning CPEC into a larger regional economic powerhouse.
Rebranding Pakistan as a Regional Stabilizer
SCO provides Pakistan with the opportunity to rely less on Western alliances and forge close relations with both China and Russia. China has remained firm in backing the Pakistani security interests, notably on Balochistan and Kashmir. Russia has also become increasingly engaged, with the Russian prime minister visiting in 2023 after 16 years. The two nations were willing to increase cooperation in trade, energy, and multilateral organizations such as BRICS. Pakistan supports a multipolar world through the SCO, as the organization is opposed to unilateral sanctions and protectionism.
One of the greatest diplomatic achievements of the SCO has been a cautious re-engagement with India. A visit by the Indian foreign minister, S. Jaishankar, in 2024 ended an almost 10-year diplomatic freeze. No official negotiations took place, but the lack of aggressive speech created room to negotiate in the future. Pakistan has also presented itself as a net stabilizer in the region and has worked to establish this narrative in the SCO forums as well. Ceasefires with India and recognition by the U.S. leadership have further strengthened the perception that Pakistan was a responsible and stabilizing actor.
Source: Dawn
Counterterrorism Credibility
In the SCO security system, Pakistan transformed its image as a victim of terrorism into a reliable counterterrorist partner. Pakistan is an active member of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) programs of the SCO. It also participates in joint military exercises such as the Peace Mission and engages in sharing intelligence. Such activities demonstrate the operational capabilities of Pakistan. It also allows Pakistan to build up its security capacity by learning from regional partners.
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Pakistan has also played a key role in shaping the counterterrorism narrative within the SCO. It was effective in highlighting the security issues in Balochistan in the form of cross-border terrorism to the entire organization. Pakistan had also responded to Indian allegations with cases based on evidence, including the high-profile arrests of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav. Offering both operational roles as well as leadership contributions to narratives, Pakistan gained more credibility towards security issues within the SCO.
Conclusion
The SCO has become a key part of Pakistan’s foreign policy. It gives Pakistan a chance to boost its diplomatic influence, improve economic ties, and assert its role in the region. Pakistan has shifted to being an active member of the organization. It uses the SCO to stay independent and balance its relations with powerful countries. The 2025 Astana summit offers new chances for Pakistan to shape regional security and other key issues. Pakistan’s active participation in the SCO shows that middle powers can strengthen their voice and safeguard national interests in a multipolar world.
