SCO Summit: A Unique Opportunity for Pakistan in Eurasian Connectivity

APP

Islamabad: The ongoing Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Islamabad presents a significant opportunity for member states to leverage Pakistan’s strategic geographical position as a vital link in Eurasian connectivity, aimed at enhancing regional trade and investment for mutual benefits.

The gathering of top leadership from SCO member states allows Pakistan to strengthen its bilateral and economic ties with regional powers, positioning the country as an essential player in the broader Eurasian connectivity initiative.

The ports of Karachi and Gwadar, along with key airports and motorways, offer immense potential for SCO member states, particularly the Central Asian Republics.

As the summit progresses in Islamabad, the primary focus is on fostering regional peace, security, and prosperity through enhanced diplomatic and economic collaboration.

Experts suggest that this summit is a pivotal moment for Pakistan to elevate its economic and geopolitical aspirations on the international stage while underscoring its principled stance on regional issues.

Established in 2001, the SCO now comprises nine member states, including founding members China and Russia, as well as newer members like Pakistan, India, and Iran, which joined in 2017.

Professor Dr Adnan Sarwar Khan, a former chairman of the International Relations Department at the University of Peshawar, emphasized the summit’s potential for economic prosperity and foreign investment, noting Pakistan’s unique strategic location in South Asia, which is crucial for trade and business.

He stated that this summit offers an unparalleled opportunity for the nation to position itself at the heart of regional connectivity.

Professor Dr A.H. Hilali, former chairman of the Political Science Department at the University of Peshawar, highlighted the SCO’s role as a significant diplomatic platform capable of reshaping regional dynamics and economic cooperation, especially in supporting developing countries.

“Discussions on trade, regional connectivity, environmental concerns, and security challenges at the SCO are vital for the stability of the region,” he remarked.

Dr. Naermur Khattak, former chairman of the Economics Department at the University of Peshawar, pointed out the economic implications of hosting the SCO summit, marking a shift in Pakistan’s approach from a geo-strategic focus to a geo-economic one. He emphasized the importance of enhancing connectivity with Central Asia.

With bilateral trade between Pakistan and China nearing $20 billion, integrating Central Asian resources through enhanced connectivity could yield substantial benefits for all parties involved.

The Khyber Pass Economic Corridor (KPEC) project, connecting Peshawar with Afghanistan, has been approved and is expected to accelerate economic development and bolster industrialization in the region.

KPEC’s 47.5-kilometer four-lane expressway will link Pakistan with Afghanistan and, subsequently, the Central Asian Republics, with an estimated investment of USD 385.6 million from the federal government and approximately USD 75 million from the KP government.

The SCO summit also serves as a platform for its top leadership to engage in constructive dialogue on pressing regional issues.

Experts predict that the recent inauguration of the Gwadar airport by Pakistani and Chinese Prime Ministers heralds a new era of prosperity for Balochistan, further solidifying Pakistan’s role as a pivotal player in the region.

As discussions continue, the eyes of the world remain on Islamabad, where Pakistan is poised to make significant strides in asserting its influence and fostering collaborative efforts within the SCO framework.

The summit is expected to conclude with a key declaration that will fortify economic partnerships among member states for the mutual prosperity of their people.