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The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, widely known as SCO, is a permanent intergovernmental organization established on June 15, 2001, in Shanghai by the founding members People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the Republic of Tajikistan. SCO comprises nearly 40 to 42 percent of the world population and 23 to 25 percent of global GDP. The main aim of SCO is to strengthen the mutual trust, education, culture, tourism, transport, science and technology, environmental protection, maintain regional peace, security, and promote a new, fair democratic international political order.
“Pakistan views the SCO not just as a diplomatic forum but as a platform to advance its geo-economic vision.”
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization comprises ten member states: China, Russia, Pakistan, India, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Iran, and Belarus. Every year, a conference is held between the member states to address their issues and build trust relations. Pakistan joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in 2017 and became a full member of the SCO, and hosted the SCO Summit 2024 at Islamabad. This year, the SCO Summit 2025 is held at Tianjin, China, from August 31 to September 1.
Pakistan views the SCO not just as a diplomatic forum but also as a platform to advance its geo-economic vision, to strengthen the regional connectivity, and promote collective security. Pakistan has significance in the SCO by occupying a unique geopolitical position at the crossroads of South Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Pakistan is promoting the CPEC as a gateway for regional integration, linking the SCO states to the Arabian Sea and providing shorter trade routes. Pakistan also acts as a key energy-rich member with Russia, Iran, and Central Asian states to position itself as a transit hub and advocate for several projects like the TAPI Pipeline and electricity corridors.
Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Shahbaz Sharif, represented very important points by greeting XI Jinping for hosting the Summit and wished Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan for their national day. During his speech, he also pointed out the friendly relations of Pakistan with other countries and highlighted Pakistan-China relations with projects like GSI, GDI, GCI, Belt and Road Initiative, and the CPEC, by assuring that Pakistan will always stand as a friend in every difficult situation. The Prime Minister of Pakistan also highlighted the involvement of some foreign power in the Jaffar Express incident and other terrorist attacks at Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The
Prime Minister of Pakistan also discussed Israel’s attack on Iran, and also spoke in favor of Palestine to stop Israel’s aggression on innocent Palestinians. This was a really good point raised by Mr. Shahbaz Sharif, as he also stated that Pakistan follows and respects human rights and the UN Security Council. Pakistan also narrated a few points in cooperation and good relations with Afghanistan, by providing them opportunities and participating in the trilateral meetings held between Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan. Pakistan also announced its counter-terrorism terrorism and maintains peace in the region.
“CPEC 2.0 will link SCO states to the Arabian Sea through smart cities, agriculture, and technology.”
Pakistan not only spoke about international affairs but also stated the internal condition of the country in front of other states. Shahbaz Sharif shared the economic and life loss due to the torrential rains and flood in Pakistan, and further thanked China and other international communities for showing their sympathy and support with Pakistan in their difficult time.
Chinese President XI Jinping announced new funds and loans under the framework, and Pakistan will be able to utilize these financial resources for its infrastructure, industry, and development projects. This can reduce Pakistan’s reliance on Western-led financial institutions like the IMF and the World Bank. Pakistan also expressed strong support to enhance the collaborative projects with China, including finance, ports, and the next phase of CPEC “(CPEC 2.0)”, including smart cities, agriculture, and technology. China expressed support and deep diplomatic and friendly relations with Pakistan.
On the other hand, Russian President Vladimir Putin conveyed sorrow to Pakistan over the recent floods in Pakistan. Putin further expressed that Russia enjoys building relations with Pakistan and is eager to further strengthen its bilateral relations. Both the leaders of Russia and Pakistan pledged to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, economics, agriculture, steel, transport, and energy sectors.
“Pakistan will always stand as a friend in every difficult situation.”
Pakistan’s presence and role at the SCO summit 2025 reflect a vision of partnership, connectivity, and multilateralism. Pakistan assured future cooperation and broadened the hand of friendship with the SCO member states. Apart from the regional cooperation and security, Pakistan also agreed to development in the fields of trade, agriculture, and technology. SCO Summit 2025 proved to be a beneficial platform for Pakistan’s diplomacy.
The author is a scholar of IR from the National University of Modern Languages. Further experience as a research intern at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation. Moreover, a media intern at the Federal Tax Ombudsman, Pakistan Television, FM 101. Also serving as the current President of Wall of Hope NUML chapter and Campus Director at Strategic Youth Paradigm, as well as the student ambassador at IDP and International Model United Nations (IMUN). Additionally, a well-known personality in social work.
