Ayesha Khan
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit an important regional event taking place in Islamabad, on 15-16 October 2024 , which is set to boost the national pride and collective hope to bring Pakistan back in limelight on regional stage with a positive and vibrant note away from the stigma of being an unsafe country.
Pakistan is a member of SCO since 2017 in the ten member organization having 40% of global population. This year the participating states shall be represented by the Prime Ministers of China, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Additionally, the First Vice President of Iran and External Affairs Minister of India. Prime Minister of Mongolia (Observer State) and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan (Special Guest) shall also grace the summit.
Among the issues discussed in summit by SCO members would be the crucial dilemma of countering security threats and collaboration among states to tackle and eliminate terrorism. They will also profoundly touch upon climate change, social economic ties , trade and mutually beneficial joint ventures.
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On the sideline of the SCO summit, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif will also hold separate bilateral meeting with various heads of delegations.
The Chinese Premier Mr. Li Qiang visit after 11 years is the outstanding feature of the event. China is our closest ally and a dependable friend who has come to our aid in every challenge faced. At this point Pakistan must reassure its commitment to the security of Chinese nationals and workers within Pakistan. We are looking forward to more shared projects with China.
A lot of attention will be on Indian delegation led by foreign Minister Mr. Jaishankar. The participation of Indians has been welcomed and taken as an ice breaker between two rival countries although both sides have reiterated they won’t be having any sideline talks.
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Pakistan has previously left no stones unturned diplomatically to bring India on table for negotiations and also rekindle and revive ties between both nations. This can also be a chance to uplift the back door diplomacy.
This is also the time bring closer the central Asian countries and increase our economic and people to people contact with them. Central Asia has vast potential for Pakistani exports and it is a haven for tourism which is yet generally un explored by 250 million potential Pakistani tourism sector. Leisure and service sector as well as Tourism on both sides is gradually increasing due to efforts of nations on both sides.
Conclusion
Pakistan is determined to make the 23rd Meeting of the Council of the Heads of Government of the SCO Member States a success on its soil. How beneficial will it be and how well Pakistan current government reaps its benefits is yet to be seen. Overall, a constructive impression and precedence has been set by Pakistan which shall have far reaching repercussions if we sustain the promises made and keep working on the road map set in the summit.
Ayesha Khan is Award winning Entrepreneur/Humanitarian/Researcher/Writer
Islamabad. ayisha.irt@gmail.com X @skylinetrading_
Pakistan in the World – Aug / Sep 2024
