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. 17/10/2024 4:46 PM
Islamabad, October 15-16, 2024 – Pakistan is set to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in its capital, Islamabad, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcoming leaders from member states, including China, Russia, Iran, and India. This year's summit focuses on critical regional issues such as security and economic cooperation, reflecting the organization's commitment to fostering collaboration among its diverse member states.
Among the notable attendees, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, will represent India at the summit. High-level officials from various countries across the region will also participate in discussions aimed at addressing pressing matters affecting regional stability and cooperation.
The summit occurs against a backdrop of ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, especially following the Pulwama attack in 2019. While both nations will attend the summit, they have explicitly stated that no bilateral talks will take place during the event. India continues to emphasize the importance of peaceful relations but insists that addressing terrorism issues must take precedence in any discussions.
In addition to the India-Pakistan issues, the summit will indirectly address tensions between India and China over their shared border. Although the summit is not explicitly aimed at resolving these disputes, it provides a platform for indirect dialogue that could help ease tensions and foster better understanding between the two nations.
As Pakistan prepares for the summit, it faces significant domestic challenges, including protests led by the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Protesters are demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned. This political unrest has compelled the Pakistani government to enhance security measures to ensure the summit proceeds smoothly.
In response to potential unrest, Pakistan has deployed over 10,000 police and paramilitary forces throughout Islamabad. The government has imposed a ban on public gatherings and implemented strict surveillance around key locations, including Adiala Jail, where Imran Khan is being held, to maintain order during the high-profile event.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was established in 2001 as a security-focused entity with founding members, including China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan joined the organization in 2017, with Iran set to become a member soon. The SCO aims to promote cooperation among its member states in various areas, including politics, economy, and military efforts, particularly in combating separatism, terrorism, and extremism.
As the largest regional organization in the world, the SCO encompasses 60% of Eurasia and includes 40% of the global population. The summit's discussions will likely influence regional dynamics and contribute to shaping collaborative efforts to address common challenges faced by member states.
As leaders gather in Islamabad, the 2024 SCO Summit represents a crucial opportunity for dialogue and cooperation amidst ongoing tensions in the region. The outcomes of this summit may have far-reaching implications for the relationships between India, Pakistan, and China, as well as for the broader geopolitical landscape of Eurasia.
