NHS Media

GET NEWSLETTER

 The 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Islamabad

4 minutes read

 The 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Islamabad

4 minutes read

The 23rd summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), hosted by Pakistan, is set to begin today in Islamabad, marking a major diplomatic event in the region. The meeting, which brings together top leaders from member states including China, Russia, India, and Iran, is being held under strict security measures. Islamabad has been fortified with over 10,000 police and paramilitary personnel to ensure the smooth execution of the event.

Overview of the Summit

This SCO summit is part of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meetings, aimed at fostering multilateral cooperation in various sectors such as trade, humanitarian efforts, and cultural exchanges. The event will be chaired by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who currently holds the CHG chairmanship. Notably, this is the first visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Pakistan in 11 years, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations between the two nations.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, today’s main events include a formal welcome dinner hosted by Prime Minister Sharif. The official proceedings will kick off tomorrow morning when the summit’s core discussions will take place at the Jinnah Convention Centre. Leaders will engage in talks focused on regional collaboration and key documents are expected to be signed, solidifying commitments among the participating nations.

Notable Participants 

The summit is drawing attention for several reasons, including the participation of Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India’s Minister of External Affairs. His visit marks the first by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly a decade, yet both sides have made it clear that no bilateral talks between India and Pakistan will take place. Relations between the two countries have been tense since 2019, when India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, leading to a suspension of trade and diplomatic ties. Despite the absence of bilateral talks, Jaishankar’s participation signals India’s continued commitment to the SCO platform.

China, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are all represented by their respective prime ministers. Iran, which joined the SCO as a full member in 2021, will be represented by its First Vice President, Mohammad Reza Aref. Additionally, Mongolia and Turkmenistan, both of which hold observer status within the SCO, will also have representatives present.

Security Measures and Diplomatic Stakes

Given the high-profile nature of the event, Islamabad has undergone significant security enhancements. The Pakistani military, Rangers, and police forces are all on high alert, especially with foreign dignitaries in attendance. Business and traffic routes in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been restricted to prevent disruptions. A large motorcade of 124 vehicles has been arranged to transport delegates, with most of the accommodations set up within the capital’s Red Zone.

 

This level of security is crucial not only due to the summit’s importance but also in light of recent security concerns in Pakistan. In particular, attacks targeting Chinese nationals working on projects tied to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) have raised alarm, with separatist groups in Balochistan being the primary culprits. The government has taken extraordinary measures to prevent any such incidents during the SCO event.

Pakistan’s Diplomatic Standing

Hosting the SCO summit serves as a diplomatic boost for Pakistan, positioning it as a central player in multilateral forums. According to former Pakistani diplomat Maleeha Lodhi, the summit elevates Pakistan’s global standing and emphasizes its active participation in international platforms like the SCO.

The summit is also significant for Pakistan as it underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation. The Pakistani government has worked to demonstrate that the country is safe for foreign delegations and is making progress toward stabilizing its internal security situation.

Impact on Regional Diplomacy

Although the summit focuses on multilateral cooperation, domestic and regional tensions loom large. Pakistan is grappling with internal political instability, and authorities have cracked down on protests and dissent in the lead-up to the summit. Supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who remains incarcerated, have been particularly vocal, leading to speculation about potential disruptions during the summit.Pakistani government will take all necessary steps to prevent any incidents that could mar the summit. The stakes are high for Pakistan, as the country seeks to leverage the summit to prove its commitment to regional stability and multilateral diplomacy.

For India and Pakistan, Jaishankar’s attendance symbolizes a temporary stabilization of relations, even if no formal talks are held. The participation of both countries in the SCO highlights their interest in maintaining dialogue on broader regional and global issues, even if bilateral relations remain strained.

Conclusion

The 23rd SCO summit in Islamabad represents a major event in regional diplomacy, bringing together key players from across Asia and Eurasia to discuss vital issues related to security, trade, and humanitarian cooperation. While bilateral tensions, particularly between India and Pakistan, remain unresolved, the summit provides a platform for these nations to engage in multilateral dialogue. As Pakistan hosts this high-stakes event, it aims to showcase its ability to play a pivotal role in regional and international affairs, while simultaneously managing internal political challenges. The outcome of this summit will likely influence not only regional geopolitics but also Pakistan’s diplomatic future on the global stage.

Leave a Comment

NHS MEDIA

Your Trusted Source for South Asia News & Analysis. Unbiased reporting, in-depth insights, and engaging multimedia.

 

Explore the region with us!

© 2023 NHS MEDIA – All Right Reserved.