Author: Ameer Sajidi
The two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of Government Summit, held from October 15 to 16 in Islamabad, brought together prominent regional leaders. The summit was attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Uzbek PM Abdullah Aripov, Kyrgyz PM Akylbek Japarov, Tajik PM Qohir Rasulzoda, Belarusian PM Roman Golovchenko, and India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Iran was represented by its Minister for Trade and Industry, Seyyed Muhammad Atabak, following Vice President Aref Reza’s withdrawal due to escalating tensions with Israel.
The summit focused on key topics such as the environment, commerce, cultural exchange, and the eradication of militancy in member countries. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to establishing the SCO Development Bank to reduce dependence on Western loans. However, in his address, Indian External Affairs Minister Mr. Jaishankar emphasized that India and Pakistan could not engage in trade or improve relations unless stability and a peaceful environment were established. He pointed to the Kashmir issue, and human rights violations in Pakistan as obstacles without precisely mentioning them.
Will SCO Members Address Militancy in Pakistan?
In his speech, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif criticized neighboring countries for allegedly providing shelter and weapons to militants who carry out attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He urged SCO members to help Pakistan address its internal security challenges. The summit took place amid a surge of attacks by Baloch separatist fighters and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Recently, a Chinese delegation was targeted near Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, where a suicide bomber attacked a convoy of high-profile Chinese officials, killing three and injuring dozens. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack. Due to security concerns in Balochistan, the Chinese and Pakistani premiers had to virtually inaugurate the Gwadar International Airport from Islamabad, a day before the summit.
Regional Instability Limits SCO’s Role
Currently, three SCO member countries—China, Russia, and Iran—are grappling with Western sanctions, socio-economic problems, and regional instability. On October 1, Iran fired nearly 200 ballistic missiles toward Israel, following the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas political figure Ismail Haniyeh. In response, the Pentagon announced plans to install its THAAD missile defense system in Israel, signaling preparations for an all-out war with Iran. Meanwhile, Russia is facing economic hardship due to Western sanctions imposed after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. China, like Iran and Russia, is also under pressure from Western sanctions, particularly over the Taiwan issue. On October 13 and 14, China escalated tensions by deploying fighter jets, drones, warships, and coast guard vessels around the self-ruled island. The United States warned China against actions that would violate Taiwan’s sovereignty and international law.
With these challenges in mind, it seems unlikely that China, Iran, and Russia can offer much assistance to Pakistan in addressing its internal issues, as they are preoccupied with their own crises. Similarly, Mr. Jaishankar showed no signs of extending friendship or cooperation from India.
Verbal Triumphalism and Empty Promises
The SCO summit’s impact on Pakistan and the wider region remains a subject of debate. Some argue that the summit offers little in the way of tangible benefits due to the lack of cooperation among member states, particularly between India and Pakistan. The organization’s emphasis on regional cooperation and security is undermined by the ongoing India-Pakistan rivalry, which threatens to paralyze the SCO’s efforts. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the critical issue of militancy at the SCO summit, calling for collective efforts to address the challenge. However, the country’s own struggles with militancy and extremism undermine its credibility in this regard.
In plain terms, the summit is unlikely to bring about any significant change. The expectations of Pakistan’s government are unlikely to materialize in an environment rife with clashes and geopolitical tensions. More than a show of verbal triumphalism, SCO members are unlikely to help Pakistan unless they first address their own problems and crises.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Balochistan Post or any of its editors.