Pakistan's Image Bolstered Globally After SCO Summit

Strategic Insights -

A recent roundtable discussion, organized by the Centre for SCO Studies at the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies, Pakistan-SCO Friendship Forum, and the Riphah Institute of Public Policy, highlighted the positive impact of the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting hosted by Pakistan. The event brought together diplomats, academics, and experts to discuss the outcomes and opportunities arising from the summit. Pakistani Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch attended the event, sharing key highlights of the SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting 2024 and its outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pakistan will head the Regional Anti-terrorism Structures (RATS) body in the SCO in 2025, and it will chair the SCO Council of Heads of State in 2026.
  • The SCO summit reinforced the importance of fostering multilateral cooperation across diverse sectors such as security, trade, and sustainable development.
  • Pakistan's growing involvement in the SCO has strengthened its economic stability and security, particularly in terms of security cooperation and economic collaboration.
  • The summit offered Pakistan a unique opportunity to enhance regional connectivity options and promote trade and economic ties, apart from security and strategic cooperation within the SCO.
  • Pakistan hosted a session on sustainable development, climate action, and renewable energy, aligning with its national development priorities.
  • The SCO summit highlighted the importance of Pakistan's role in facilitating regional security dialogues, particularly in addressing terrorism and extremism.
  • Pakistan's involvement in regional projects such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was emphasized.

Statistics:

  • Pakistan will chair the SCO Council of Heads of State in 2026.
  • The SCO summit had a focus on sustainable development, climate action, and renewable energy, aligning with Pakistan's national development priorities.
  • Pakistan's participation in 2025 as the head of the Regional Anti-terrorism Structures (RATS) body in the SCO.

Sources:

  • Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Foreign Office spokesperson, Pakistan.
  • Dr. Farhat Asif, President, Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies, Pakistan.
  • Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director, China-Pakistan Study Centre, Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad.
  • Dr. Sarwat Rauf, Head of Department, International Relations, National University of Modern Languages (NUML).
  • Dr. Mohammad Munir, Dean of Social Sciences, MY University.
  • Dr. Rashid Aftab, Director, Riphah Institute of Public Policy.