Pakistan pushes for regional security, stability at SCO summit in Islamabad

**ISLAMABAD**: At the pivotal Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conference in Islamabad, Pakistan has called on member states to prioritize collaborative efforts for regional security and stability amid a rapidly evolving global landscape.

"We are at a historic moment of transition, with sweeping transformations reshaping the global social, political, economic, and security landscape," said the keynote speaker at the 23rd meeting of the SCO Council of the Heads of Governments (CHG).

The SCO summit—Pakistan's most significant diplomatic event in years—takes place at the Jinnah Convention Centre, with leaders from ten countries in attendance, including India, Pakistan's long-time rival.

A notable highlight of the event is the participation of Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, marking the first visit by an Indian FM in nearly a decade amid strained relations between the two nuclear powers.

Former ambassador Maleeha Lodhi remarked on the diplomatic implications of the SCO summit, stating that Pakistan has significantly enhanced its international standing. "Hosting this summit strengthens Pakistan's diplomatic position globally. This is a crucial moment as significant leaders gather here," she said during an interview with Geo News.

**PM Advocates for Regional Peace and Stability**  
Presiding over the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed, "From the esteemed platform of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a beacon of multilateralism, I firmly believe we possess both the potential and the will to create a future that is prosperous and secure for our people."

He emphasized the need for a future that reflects the shared aspirations of all member states. Before the summit commenced, a group photo session was held with the attending SCO leaders.

Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted the critical role of Afghanistan in regional trade and transit, asserting, "A stable Afghanistan is not just desirable but essential for realizing these opportunities." He urged the international community to extend urgent humanitarian support to Afghanistan and called on its interim Taliban government to adopt political inclusivity to prevent the misuse of Afghan territory for terrorism against neighboring countries.

Addressing the issue of poverty, the prime minister described it as a moral imperative that requires collective action from regional states. "With millions in poverty across the SCO region, enhanced cooperation on poverty alleviation is crucial," he stated. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to addressing poverty through various seminars and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Discussing climate change, PM Shehbaz noted its severe impact, particularly on countries like Pakistan, which faces climate-induced disasters. "We must prioritize environmental cooperation within the SCO to build resilience for future generations," he stressed, also welcoming recent agreements on environmental protection among SCO members.

The premier proposed establishing a robust connectivity framework within the SCO to enhance regional trade and advance the vision of a connected Eurasia, urging collaboration on major projects like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

He criticized unilateral coercive measures and protectionist policies that hinder economic growth and exacerbate inequality. PM Shehbaz encouraged SCO leaders to foster a conducive environment for business and investment within the region and noted the growing consensus on using mutual currencies for settlements as a promising development.

The prime minister emphasized that a stronger, more effective SCO is vital for sustainable regional development, expressing Pakistan's support for ongoing reforms aimed at modernizing the organization.

He concluded by highlighting the importance of fostering people-to-people ties and cultural exchanges to bridge divides and deepen cooperation among member states.

**Indian FM Calls for Self-Accountability**  
During the summit, Indian FM Subrahmanyam Jaishankar congratulated Islamabad on assuming the SCO chairmanship and reiterated New Delhi's full support for its success. He emphasized the necessity of honest discussions and self-accountability regarding the lack of trust and principles of good neighborliness.

Jaishankar acknowledged the potential for regional development through globalization but cautioned that issues like cross-border terrorism could hinder trade and communication. He urged SCO states to advocate for reform in global institutions to ensure a more representative and accountable United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Jaishankar's visit is significant as it marks the first time in nine years an Indian foreign minister has come to Pakistan, following a visit by former Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj in 2015. Diplomatic relations have been tense since India's revocation of Kashmir's autonomy in 2019.

**China, Russia, and Mongolia Strengthen Ties**  
On the sidelines of the SCO summit, Chinese Premier Li Qiang proposed enhanced trilateral cooperation with Russia and Mongolia, emphasizing mutual trust and coordination.

**Understanding the SCO**  
The SCO, formed in 2001, includes China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Iran, and India. It represents 40% of the world's population and about 30% of its GDP, aiming to foster mutual trust and maintain peace and security in the region.

The supreme decision-making body of the SCO is the Council of Heads of States (CHS), which meets annually to address key issues, while the CHG focuses on multilateral cooperation and economic strategies.

Today's summit features participation from leaders of various SCO member and observer states, with stringent security measures in place to ensure a smooth event. Prime Minister Shehbaz is set to host an official luncheon for the leaders, following media statements from SCO officials regarding the summit's highlights and outcomes.