Islamabad (TDI): Experts in international and regional affairs view the upcoming 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, scheduled to take place in Islamabad on October 15-16, as a pivotal moment for Pakistan to bolster its economic and diplomatic relations with member states.
Analysts emphasize that the summit provides Pakistan a platform to craft a unified regional strategy for addressing terrorism while advancing its role in fostering Eurasian connectivity.
The SCO, an eight-member Eurasian political and security alliance, offers Pakistan an avenue to solidify its geopolitical and economic standing.
Muhammad Taimur Khan, a noted international relations expert from the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), underscored the summit’s potential for Pakistan to showcase its capacity to attract investment and contribute to regional integration, APP reported.
“This summit grants Pakistan an opportunity to advocate for policies that foster regional peace, security, and prosperity,” he said.
“Through its engagement with key regional powers, Pakistan can position itself as an indispensable player in the broader Eurasian connectivity initiative.”
SCO’s Immense Diplomatic Value for Pakistan
Senior journalist Iftikhar Shirazi also highlighted the immense diplomatic value of the SCO for Pakistan, which, due to its strategic location and status as the world’s fifth-most populous country, holds significant potential for regional trade.
“The SCO provides a substantial platform to recalibrate regional dynamics, with potential global implications,” Shirazi remarked.
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“Pakistan’s geographical significance for international trade further amplifies its importance at this summit.”
Security concerns and counterterrorism are also expected to dominate discussions, particularly with regard to the ongoing instability in Afghanistan, which poses a significant threat to the region.
“Addressing regional terrorism, especially threats stemming from Afghanistan, is a key agenda item for the SCO. The summit will be crucial for seeking collaborative solutions to these pressing security challenges,” Shirazi added.
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The summit thus represents a vital opportunity for Pakistan to advance its economic, security, and diplomatic interests on the global stage, while reinforcing its role as a conduit for Eurasian connectivity.
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