The SCO Summit 2024 has placed Islamabad at the center of global diplomatic attention as Pakistan hosts the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. This pivotal two-day meeting, which began on October 15, 2024, is critical for fostering regional cooperation on trade, security, and environmental issues among key global players, including China, Russia, and India.
SCO Summit 2024: Objectives and Strategic Agendas
The SCO Summit 2024 is designed around key themes that will shape the trajectory of regional collaboration:
1. Economic Cooperation: With economic pressure building on Pakistan, particularly in light of soaring inflation and dwindling reserves, a major focus is on enhancing regional trade. This includes exploring new avenues under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
2. Security and Counterterrorism: In an era of rising cross-border terrorism, especially in Afghanistan, member states will concentrate on regional security and counterterrorism efforts
3. Climate Change and Sustainability: With the global climate crisis escalating, discussions will revolve around climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable environmental policies
4. Regional Connectivity: This summit provides an opportunity for member states, especially Central Asian countries, to solidify ties through better transport and energy infrastructure.
SCO 2024 and Pakistan’s Role
Pakistan’s position as the host of this summit reflects its ambition to be a key player in regional diplomacy. The summit is an opportunity for Islamabad to build stronger alliances with neighboring countries and project itself as a critical voice in regional security and economic integration. Pakistan’s partnership with China, particularly through CPEC, remains pivotal, while its growing engagements with Russia, including energy agreements, also add to its geopolitical importance.
Participating Countries and Key Figures
Here’s a detailed list of countries attending the summit and their key representatives:
| Country | Representative | Key Role/Context |
| Pakistan | Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif | Hosting the summit, focusing on economic revival and security cooperation through projects like CPEC. |
| China | Premier Li Qiang | Major strategic partner for Pakistan, with a focus on expanding CPEC and regional security cooperation. |
| Russia | Prime Minister | Expected to strengthen energy ties with Pakistan, while discussing regional security, especially in Afghanistan. |
| India | External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar | Despite frosty relations, India’s participation underscores the importance of the SCO in maintaining regional dialogue. |
| Kazakhstan | Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov | Focus on economic cooperation, especially through enhancing trade connectivity via Pakistan. |
| Uzbekistan | Prime Minister | Engaging in discussions on energy and climate cooperation, crucial for strengthening Central Asia’s ties to South Asia. |
| Belarus | Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko | Expanding trade and investment links with Pakistan and other member states. |
| Iran | First Vice President | Iran’s involvement centers on strengthening connectivity and trade routes, particularly in light of its recent full membership in the SCO. |
| Tajikistan | Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda | Discussing regional stability, with a particular focus on Afghanistan’s security challenges. |
| Kyrgyzstan | Prime Minister Zhaparov Akylbek | Strengthening multilateral ties in regional security and trade cooperation. |
| Turkmenistan | Deputy Chairman of Cabinet Rashid Meredov (Special Guest) | Engaged in talks regarding regional energy cooperation and trade route expansions. |
| Mongolia | Prime Minister (Observer State) | Observer state focusing on enhanced environmental cooperation and trade discussions. |
Key Insights from the Summit
Pakistan has high hopes that this summit will bolster its economic recovery by attracting foreign investments and expanding CPEC projects. Additionally, Russia and China remain significant players in enhancing regional security, particularly concerning the volatile situation in Afghanistan.
Furthermore, this summit presents a rare platform for India and Pakistan to engage indirectly, despite their historically strained relations. This dialogue could be crucial for both nations to explore paths to de-escalating border tensions.
Table of Other Critical Details
| Aspect | Details |
| Summit Theme | “Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue—Striving Towards a Sustainable Peace and Prosperity” |
| SCO Member States | 8 (China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan) |
| Regional Impact | SCO members account for 40% of the world’s population and 32% of global GDP |
| Trade Potential | Major projects include CPEC expansion, energy cooperation with Russia, and trade route access via Pakistani ports |
| Security Concerns | Cross-border terrorism, especially from Afghanistan, remains a central focus, with an emphasis on regional stability and counterterrorism |
| Environmental Agenda | Commitment to climate-resilient infrastructure and the development of green technologies |
Conclusion:
The SCO Summit 2024 is a landmark event for Pakistan, giving it the opportunity to assert its importance on the regional stage. The summit holds the potential to shape the future of regional trade, security, and environmental cooperation. Pakistan, through this high-profile platform, aims to strengthen its alliances with key players like China and Russia, while addressing ongoing challenges such as terrorism and economic instability
