Atif Mehmood | Published October 7, 2024
The author is deeply interested in social and political issues, focusing on analyzing their impact on society and policy development. It is to be noted that the opinions articulated herein are exclusively the author’s own and do not reflect the views or stances of the author’s employer or those of Pakistan Chronicles Online. For correspondence, the author may be contacted at atif@live.ie.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit of 2024, set to be hosted in Pakistan, stands as a momentous occasion in the annals of international diplomacy. As the host nation, Pakistan shall assume a crucial role in promoting regional collaboration and addressing pressing global issues. This prestigious summit, bringing together leaders from eight member states and various observer nations, is poised to be a milestone in fostering peace, security, and economic prosperity across Eurasia.
Established in 2001, the SCO has evolved into a formidable bloc, aiming to enhance mutual trust and neighbourly relations among member countries. Its core objectives include promoting effective cooperation in politics, trade, economy, and science, along with cultural and humanitarian exchanges. The organization also prioritizes joint efforts in maintaining regional peace, security, and stability, making it a crucial player in global geopolitics.
Pakistan, having joined the SCO as a full member in 2017, views the 2024 summit as an opportunity to showcase its commitment to the organization's goals. Enhance infrastructural and economic linkages within the region, particularly through projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Promote Peace and Security by addressing security challenges such as terrorism, extremism, and separatism, fostering a stable and peaceful environment. Facilitate trade and investment opportunities among member states, promoting economic growth and development. Cultural and Humanitarian Exchange: Strengthen cultural ties and humanitarian efforts to foster mutual understanding and cooperation.
The 2024 summit will address a myriad of critical issues, reflecting the diverse interests and priorities of the member states. A primary focus will be on enhancing joint efforts to combat terrorism, extremism, and separatism. Discussions are expected to revolve around intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism strategies, and cooperative security measures to ensure a stable and secure region.
Economic cooperation will be a central theme, with an emphasis on trade facilitation, investment opportunities, and infrastructural development. Initiatives to enhance connectivity, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Digital Silk Road, will be highlighted. Addressing environmental challenges is crucial for sustainable development. Member states will discuss collaborative efforts to tackle climate change, promote renewable energy, and ensure environmental conservation.
Promoting cultural and humanitarian exchange will be pivotal in fostering a sense of community among SCO nations. Initiatives to enhance educational, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges will be explored, aiming to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation.
Hosting the SCO Summit presents both challenges and opportunities for Pakistan. Ensuring the safety of high-profile delegates and maintaining a secure environment will be a significant challenge. Coordinating the logistics of such a large-scale event requires meticulous planning and execution. Balancing the diverse interests and priorities of member states necessitates adept diplomatic skills.
The summit provides Pakistan with a platform to enhance its global standing and showcase its leadership role in regional cooperation. Strengthened economic ties and increased investment opportunities can spur economic growth and development. Hosting the summit will promote cultural understanding and strengthen societal bonds within the region.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has announced its plans to organize a protest in Islamabad coinciding with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in 2024. This decision has sparked considerable speculation, given the significance of the SCO Summit and the high-profile international attendance it will attract. Those familiar with history know it's no coincidence. PTI orchestrated a similar event in 2014, leading to the cancellation of the Chinese President's visit and resulting in significant lost investments for Pakistan due to a 126-days protest. Some argue that the PTI’s motives behind organising these protests are politically charged, aimed at disrupting Pakistan's economic progress. They suggest that PTI’s actions are designed to stop the economic growth otherwise it would diminish PTI political leverage
Some criticise that PTI aim to exert pressure on the government and judiciary to disregard ongoing corruption cases, they suggest PTI understands that if the government successfully tackles critical issues like inflation, unemployment, and corruption, PTI prospects in the next general elections would be severely diminished. PTI strategy is evidently focused on disrupting economic progress through violent protests and influencing key decision-makers to secure favourable outcomes in court. A recent example is the May 9th incident where PTI targeted state institutions, a behavior reminiscent of their actions in 2014 when they seized control of state television and other government buildings.
One might wonder why PTI couldn't select better candidates for the former Punjab chief minister and the current KPK chief minister. Were these decisions aimed at concealing corruption, blaming others, or due to the incompetence of PTI leadership, given that many founding members have left due to a lack of internal democracy? Senator Hamid Khan, a founding member of PTI, seemed to be a more suitable choice for Chairman after Imran Khan was incarcerated over multiple cases. However, the role was assigned to a recent addition to the party, who had joined only a year prior and previously contested elections on PPPP ticket. This decision appeared convenient for Imran Khan, as he may have felt intimidated by Senator Hamid Khan's prominent stature or for any other leader with strong credentials and integrity.
The 2024 SCO Summit in Pakistan is expected to be a significant event, promoting regional collaboration and addressing important global issues. As the host country, Pakistan has a distinct chance to influence the summit's results and help create a more connected, secure, and prosperous Eurasian region. Successfully hosting this summit will boost Pakistan's international profile and greatly contribute to the broader goals of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. With global attention, the 2024 summit is set to demonstrate the importance of cooperation and mutual understanding in reaching shared goals.
© 2024 Pakistan Chronicles Online. All Rights Reserved.
The content posted in pakistanchronicles.online community pages is created by members of the public. Hence, views expressed therein may not be those of pakistanchronicles.online. pakistanchronicles.online is not responsible for any content posted by members of the public on pakistanchronicles.online. Ensure to view Disclaimer section of this website for mor information.
