The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has become an essential regional entity in Asia, and its growing influence offers Pakistan an opportunity to deepen its engagement with its neighbors. Established in 2001, the SCO began as a security-focused organization aimed at resolving border disputes and countering terrorism. Over the years, it has evolved into a comprehensive platform for political, economic, and cultural cooperation. The SCO now includes eight permanent members, four observer states, and 14 dialogue partners, indicating its growing geopolitical relevance. For Pakistan, the SCO represents not just a security alliance but also a means to address critical economic, political, and social challenges.
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Pakistan’s membership in the SCO, alongside India, in 2017 was a crucial strategic move. It reflected the country’s desire to leverage the organization's growing importance to enhance its geopolitical and economic standing. In 2024, the SCO added Belarus as its ninth permanent member, demonstrating its expanding global footprint. The SCO offers a vital platform to engage with regional powers, including China, Russia, and Central Asia, while fostering collaboration in a wide range of fields, including security, trade, connectivity, education, and health.
Security cooperation within the SCO is of particular importance to Pakistan, which continues to face significant threats from terrorism, extremism, and separatism. These issues, which have plagued Pakistan’s internal stability for decades, are also regional challenges that the SCO seeks to address. Pakistan hosted the SCO’s Joint Counter-Terrorism Exercise “Pabbi-Antiterror-2021” in Nowshera, marking a milestone in its security cooperation. Through such initiatives, Pakistan enhances its counterterrorism capabilities and strengthens coordination with neighboring states.
The SCO also offers Pakistan significant economic opportunities, particularly in trade and energy cooperation. As an organization that promotes regional economic integration, the SCO presents Pakistan with the chance to enhance its trade relations with resource-rich countries. In 2022, trade between Pakistan and SCO members, including China and Russia, crossed USD 30 billion, showcasing economic interdependence. Furthermore, the completion of projects like the IP and TAPI pipelines could alleviate Pakistan’s energy crisis and stabilize its economy.
Regional connectivity is another area where Pakistan stands to benefit from its participation in the SCO. Given its strategic location, Pakistan has the potential to serve as a key transit hub for trade between Central Asia and other regions. In 2018, the SCO accepted Pakistan’s proposal to link its ports in Karachi and Gwadar with major trade routes of the organization. This move boosts Pakistan’s role in facilitating regional commerce and enhancing economic integration.
Education and cultural exchange are also integral components of the SCO’s agenda, and Pakistan has much to gain from these initiatives. The SCO supports academic partnerships and cross-border educational opportunities. Currently, more than 400 Pakistani students are enrolled in SCO-affiliated universities under exchange programs. These interactions foster cross-cultural understanding and help counter regional extremism through soft diplomacy.
In addition to educational cooperation, health collaboration is another key area where the SCO can play a significant role for Pakistan. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for international cooperation in addressing global health challenges. During the pandemic, China and Russia coordinated vaccine distribution across SCO members, including Pakistan, which received over 25 million doses through these collaborations. This health diplomacy strengthened partnerships and supported Pakistan’s healthcare infrastructure development.
Despite the many benefits that the SCO offers Pakistan, there are several challenges that could hinder the organization’s effectiveness. One of the key obstacles is the ongoing power struggle between the SCO’s major members. Tensions between India and China, both members of the SCO, led to the cancellation of several joint initiatives in 2020. Such geopolitical frictions may limit the organization’s ability to respond collectively to regional issues.
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Furthermore, the SCO can explore new avenues for economic cooperation that would strengthen its resilience against external pressures. One potential solution is the use of local currencies in trade. In 2023, Russia and China proposed a regional trade mechanism based on national currencies to reduce dependence on the US dollar. If adopted widely, such strategies could enhance economic sovereignty among member states and boost intra-SCO trade.
In conclusion, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization represents a crucial opportunity for Pakistan to engage with its neighbors and address both security and economic challenges. The organization’s platform for regional cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism, trade, energy, education, and healthcare provides significant benefits for Pakistan. By 2025, Pakistan plans to host the SCO Summit, reinforcing its commitment to regional diplomacy and leadership. To fully realize the potential of the SCO, Pakistan must continue to prioritize cooperation while navigating the complexities of global politics.
