On September 1, 2025, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders also gathered in Tianjin in China, and they adopted a joint statement denouncing the act of terrorism against Pakistan and India. With the increasing tension, each of the two nations had accused the other of taking part in the recent militant attacks, and the SCO decided to unite against the threats. The summit emphasised the need to cooperate to fight terrorism, extremism and separatism and foster regional security and peace.
The Terror Attacks: Key Incidents
Three major terrorist attacks in Pakistan and India have been the focal points of the SCO’s condemnation:
- Jaffar Express Hijacking (March 11, 2025): Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) militants hijacked the Jaffar Express train and several of the passengers were taken hostage. The hijacking cost a lot of lives and created suspicion between Pakistan and India that led to accusations between the two countries, fueling the mistrust in the region..
- Khuzdar School Bus Bombing (May 21, 2025): In Khuzdar, Pakistan, a bomb was used to kill six people, including three students on a school bus. Over 40 others were injured. This assault only increased the tensions as both countries accused each other of the violence.
- Pahalgam Attack (April 22, 2025): Jammu and Kashmir In Pahalgam, gunmen fired on tourists, killing 26 and injuring 17 of them. It was the bloodiest civilian attack in the region since 2000, and again, both nations blamed each other on who took part.
SCO’s Unified Declaration on Terrorism
The SCO summit passed a declaration denouncing terrorism in all its forms and demanding that those who commit terrorism be apprehended to face the law. The declaration reiterated the commitment of the SCO members to fight terrorism, separatism and extremism. It also highlighted the significance of multilateral interventions to solve security dilemmas, to guarantee peace and stability in the region.
Notably, the SCO leaders emphasised that nothing could be more wicked than using terrorist groups to gain political advantages. The necessity to increase cooperation among member states in combating terrorism was also emphasised in the joint statement, mentioning the role of sovereign states in combating these threats.
Commitment to Counterterrorism
As per the declaration, the SCO reiterated its dedication towards enacting counterterrorism strategies, especially in areas that were likely to engage in extremism. The leaders were unanimous in opposing the movement of terrorists across borders and urged more international cooperation to fight the menace. The SCO also pledged to strengthen its already existing agreements like the Agreement on the Universal Centre of Countering Security Challenges and SCO Anti-Drug Centre to strengthen its efforts in combating terrorism and organized crimes.
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SCO’s Influence, and Future Goals
The SCO is a major Eurasian political and security bloc that comprises China, Russia, Pakistan, India, and Iran among others. The results of the summit demonstrate an increasing role of the organization in handling regional security issues. Among the major changes was the move to simplify the category of observer and dialogue partner into one SCO Partner status. This shift can be viewed as the growing relevance of collaboration between regional actors, including Laos, which was invited to become a new SCO Partner at the summit.
Moreover, SCO leaders embraced a 10-year development plan that aimed at improving cooperation on security, economy, and cultural exchanges. This vision is in the long term, to provide peace, stability and prosperity within the SCO space and foster common growth and development.
Focus on Middle East, and Afghanistan
Other important concerns raised during the summit include the Middle East and Afghanistan. In the dispute between Palestine and Israel, SCO members demanded a ceasefire, and humanitarian aid to Gaza. The statement reiterated that the SCO had supported a just and comprehensive settlement of the conflict, and the need to have a permanent peace agreement.
In the case of Afghanistan, the SCO reaffirmed its desire to see Afghanistan independent and develop peacefully. The members emphasised that long-term stability in Afghanistan requires an inclusive government that includes all ethnic and political groups.
A Unified Message for Global Peace
The declaration of the United Front against terrorism and extremism in the Tianjin Declaration is indicative of increased awareness of the need to work together in addressing global issues. By focusing on multilateral cooperation and its willingness to fight terrorism, separatism, and extremism, the SCO is making essential steps toward peace and security in the region.
The SCO has shown its will to combat any form of terrorism by denouncing the terrorist attacks in Jaffar, Khuzdar, and Pahalgam. The results of the summit established the foundation of increased cooperation among member states, and there was an orientation toward promoting stability, development, and prosperity within the region.
Conclusion: A Strong Step Towards Stability
The SCO meeting at Tianjin was a milestone in the war on terrorism and extremism. Member states’ leaders have demonstrated their unanimity regarding regional security, and the joint declaration is a powerful signal of collaboration. With collective action and sustainable peace, the SCO is increasingly becoming a key player in the future of Eurasia and other parts of the world.
The joint condemnation of the terrorist attacks and the adoption of new agreements reflect the SCO’s resolve to confront security challenges head-on. With the changing global issues, SCO leadership in the propagation of peace, collaboration and counterterrorism will continue to play a vital role in ensuring stability in the region and internationally.
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