Islamabad will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting on October 15 and 16, marking an important milestone in Pakistan’s foreign policy. This event will gather top leaders from over ten regional countries, including notable figures such as the Russian and Chinese prime ministers. The presence of these leaders underscores the importance of this summit within the broader context of regional cooperation.
One particularly noteworthy aspect of this gathering is that India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to attend, making it the first visit by any Indian external affairs minister to Pakistan in nine years. The last visit was made by Sushma Swaraj in December 2015, just before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unexpected stopover in Lahore.
Jaishankar’s participation is significant given the historically strained relations between India and Pakistan, characterized by vocal criticism of each other and a persistent blame game over bilateral issues.
The decision for India to send its foreign minister reflects a nuanced approach, showing that despite ongoing tensions, New Delhi recognizes the importance of engaging with Pakistan at forums of regional significance. This could serve as an opportunity for both nations to break the ice and potentially recalibrate their diplomatic relations. Reports suggest that there may be ongoing discussions for a track-two initiative aimed at rekindling dialogue later this year.
Additionally, China’s involvement adds another layer of significance to this summit. The Chinese prime minister’s likely attendance will lend credibility to the event while also facilitating discussions around critical agreements related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). These agreements are expected to formally initiate the second phase of CPEC during bilateral meetings at the SCO summit.
The upcoming SCO summit in Pakistan is poised to be a pivotal event for Islamabad, particularly with the anticipated visit of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. This visit comes on the heels of recent discussions between Russia and Pakistan aimed at strengthening trade relations. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk’s talks with Pakistani officials last month served as a preparatory step for this significant engagement.
Moreover, this summit will mark the first appearance of Iran’s newly elected government’s delegation. This presents an important opportunity for Pakistan to engage with Iran’s leadership and potentially address regional issues that have long been contentious. The dynamics at play during this summit could foster better relationships and cooperation among neighboring countries.
However, despite these promising prospects, there are substantial concerns regarding the potential outcomes of the SCO summit for Pakistan due to ongoing political instability and security challenges.
The relationship between the Pakistani government and opposition parties has become increasingly fraught, with both sides publicly exchanging accusations that threaten to overshadow the summit’s significance.
Last week, thousands of supporters of Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party converged on Islamabad, demanding the former prime minister’s release from imprisonment and calling for stays on controversial constitutional amendments related to limiting the judiciary’s powers.
The timing of these protests appears deliberately aligned with the impending SCO summit, suggesting that PTI may leverage this high-profile event to amplify its political agenda to exert pressure on the Shehbaz Sharif government.
The situation is further complicated by actions taken by PTI supporters, which saw them clashing with law enforcement personnel and disrupting key areas intended for major diplomatic activities.
As tensions escalate domestically, government officials are accusing PTI of attempting to undermine not only the SCO summit but also Pakistan’s standing in broader geopolitical discussions.
This internal discord in Pakistan has not gone unnoticed regionally. Notably, Afghanistan’s Taliban regime issued an unusual statement expressing concern over rising tensions within Pakistan. They emphasized that such unrest could adversely affect regional stability while advocating for dialogue as a means to resolve disputes.
“We are closely monitoring the situation in Pakistan and hope that the Pakistani government and influential entities will deal reasonably and realistically with the growing discontent,” the statement issued by Kabul mentioned.
The recent suicide bombing in Karachi, which tragically claimed the lives of two Chinese nationals, has cast a shadow over Pakistan’s preparations for the upcoming SCO summit. The bombing occurred near the airport, targeting a convoy carrying foreign delegates. It has raised alarm about the safety protocols in place for high-profile visitors. The implications of this attack are profound, as they not only threaten diplomatic relations but also challenge Pakistan’s image on an international stage.
It is important to note that Pakistan recently initiated a new counterterrorism strategy that includes efforts to build a regional coalition aimed at supporting its domestic counter-terrorism initiatives.
However, with incidents of militancy occurring just ahead of such a crucial summit, Pakistan finds itself grappling with frustration at a time when it seeks to reassure the international community of its commitment to curtailing domestic terrorism and fostering regional cooperation in this regard. The upcoming SCO summit now stands as both an opportunity and a challenge for Pakistan as it navigates these turbulent waters.
With various leaders from across Eurasia confirming their participation, Islamabad stands at a pivotal moment in shaping its regional standing and fostering meaningful dialogue among key players on pressing issues affecting their shared future.
However, it remains essential for all parties involved — both governmental and opposition — to prioritize national interests over partisan politics. The implications of their actions extend beyond domestic borders; they resonate throughout South Asia and could significantly influence Pakistan’s foreign policy trajectory in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.