SCO Summit: A golden opportunity for Pakistan to enhance geopolitical, diplomatic influence in Global South
PESHAWAR (APP): As Pakistan is all set to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit on October 15-16 in Islamabad, the historic event presents a golden opportunity for the nation to enhance its geopolitical and diplomatic influence in the Global South, aiming for a broader regional cooperation.
As high-level delegations from all SCO member states have started arriving in Islamabad, positioning Pakistan to play an important role in fostering regional collaboration for the benefit of millions of people.
Situated strategically, Pakistan’s membership in the SCO, which it joined in June 2017, allowed it to enhance its geo-political and economic standing, particularly in the context of Global South.
SCO, comprising eight member states including Pakistan, China, Russia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan was established in 2001. The organization also includes four observer states (Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia) and several dialogue partners, extending its influence across Eurasia.
“Recognized for its focus on regional security, economic collaboration, and political coordination, the summit provides a timely platform for Pakistan to demonstrate its diplomatic capabilities besides facilitating discussions on trade, energy, and security. Now, Pakistan has a golden opportunity to reinforce its image as a vital hub for Eurasian connectivity,” said Manzoorul Haq, former ambassador while talking to APP.
“As Pakistan strives for economic stability, the SCO summit allows the country to present itself as capable of hosting and engaging in global dialogues and conferences smoothly,” said ambassador Mnazoor.
“Historically, Pakistan has been enjoying a key position like a bridge between South and Central Asia, and this SCO summit has reinforced our key role globally,” Manzoor said, highlighting the potential for significant partnerships that could help enhance Pakistan’s economic landscape and solidify its position as a key mediator in resolution of regional issues.
The ambassador noted that SCO’s evolving focus on economic and infrastructural development offers Pakistan a great chance to emerge as a key player in the region, particularly as an energy, mines and minerals, regional connectivity and trade corridor linking Central Asia to Arabian Sea.
He said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has exemplified this connectivity and could further elevate our country’s role in promotion of regional trade, business and commerce immensely.
“As the Global North grapples with geopolitical and economic tensions, nations in the Global South, including Pakistan, are eager to strengthen its role in regional alliances and find new platforms to emphasis of their influence for regional peace and economic stability.
For Pakistan, he said this alignment not only fortifies its position in the Global South but also offers an alternative platform to advance its foreign policy outside of the western-centric narratives.
Manzoor who served Pakistan’s ambassador at Saudia Arabia and Egypt said our country has positioned itself as a great leader and mediator in the world especially within the Global South, with its involvement in the SCO highlighting its potential to lead dialogues on regional cooperation, security, and counter terrorism that resonate deeply with many developing countries.
“The growing partnership with China—SCO’s most influential member—provides Pakistan with a great opportunity to protect its foreign policy’s interests. By aligning with China’s Belt and Road Initiative through CPEC, Pakistan can enhance intra-regional connectivity, trade, and investment under the SCO framework,” Manzoor told APP.
Former Chairman of the Political Science Department at the University of Peshawar, Professor Dr. Zilakat Malik, underscored the SCO’s economic significance, adding its member states represent nearly 40% of the global population and about 25% of the world’s GDP.
Emphasizing the importance of engagement with such a demographic and economic powerhouse for Pakistan’s own growth, he said our Govt needs to showcase its hidden mines and mineral treasures in KP and Balochistan provinces besides hydropower potential in Northern Pakistan to achieve maximum gains.
He said Pakistan stands to gain immensely from cooperation within the SCO, particularly in energy security and access to Central Asian oil and gas reserves, adding the potential for attracting foreign investment in exploration of marbles, granite, gemstones and development of hydropower resources are substantial, he maintained.
Suggesting SCO could benefit from adopting some economic integration frameworks similar to the European Union’s model, he maintained that although deep economic integration may not be an immediate goal, still the SCO could help enhance trade facilitation, infrastructure linkages, and regional connectivity among its member states.
As the organization’s demographic and economic significance continues to grow, they said that Pakistan must leverage its strategic location and connectivity to foster greater regional cooperation, security, and prosperity in the region.
By doing so, the country can secure a more influential role in the Global South and position itself as a proactive and responsible player in global diplomacy. With all eyes on Islamabad for this historic summit, the world anticipates how Pakistan along with other member states would help navigate the complexities of the SCO and address pressing regional challenges.
They expressed the hope that Pakistan would seize this momentous opportunity to elevate its global standing and achieve economic gains besides attracting direct foreign investment.
