Amid political turmoil and heightened security, Pakistan is hosting the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, marking a significant diplomatic event as leaders from key nations converge in Islamabad. The two-day summit, scheduled for October 15 and 16, comes at a time of political tension within Pakistan and strained international relations in the region. Security measures have been significantly bolstered as the nation prepares to welcome high-profile delegations from across the world.
India’s Presence at the Summit
In a notable diplomatic move, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is attending the SCO Summit in Pakistan, marking the first time since 2015 that a senior Indian official has visited the country. While Jaishankar’s visit is a significant gesture, he has made it clear that there will be no discussions related to India-Pakistan bilateral relations. Instead, India plans to raise concerns about cross-border terrorism, a critical issue for New Delhi, especially in the context of regional security. Jaishankar’s presence reflects India’s ongoing commitment to multilateral cooperation within the framework of the SCO, despite long-standing tensions with Pakistan.
Jaishankar’s visit is expected to be brief, with the primary focus on addressing global concerns such as the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. He leads a four-member delegation from India to participate in the high-level talks.
High-Level Delegations and Security
The SCO Summit has attracted significant international attention, with 76 delegates from Russia and 15 from China, among others, already arriving in Pakistan. Leaders including Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, and representatives from Central Asian nations are set to participate. The summit will focus on key areas such as economic cooperation, regional security, and cultural collaboration.
Given the importance of the event, Pakistan has implemented stringent security measures. Over 10,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed across Islamabad and Rawalpindi to ensure the safety of the 900 delegates attending the summit. The Pakistani government has also declared a three-day public holiday in the capital to facilitate the smooth conduct of the event.
Article 245 of the Constitution has been invoked to deploy military personnel in the capital, further underscoring the significant security concerns in hosting such a high-level summit. Additionally, Section 144 has been imposed in Rawalpindi to prevent large gatherings or protests during the summit.
Political Context and Domestic Tensions
The SCO Summit in Pakistan is being held amid intense domestic political tensions. The government is facing significant pressure from opposition groups, particularly from Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Khan, the former prime minister, is currently detained, and his supporters have threatened to stage mass protests during the summit. PTI has demanded access to Khan’s legal team and physician, warning of large demonstrations if their demands are not met.
In response, the government has warned of strict measures and pledged to use “full force” if necessary to prevent disruptions. The high-profile summit, therefore, presents both an opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its diplomatic capabilities and a challenge in managing internal political strife.
The Role of the SCO
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a key intergovernmental body focused on regional security, economic cooperation, and cultural collaboration. Founded in 2001, the SCO includes nine member states, with India and Pakistan joining in 2017. The bloc also has several observer nations and dialogue partners, making it a significant platform for discussing transregional issues, particularly in Eurasia.
India’s involvement in the SCO is driven by its desire for a multipolar world order and access to Central Asia’s natural resources. However, India remains cautious about China’s influence within the SCO and the possibility of the organisation being used as an anti-Western platform.
Expected Outcomes and Future Cooperation
The SCO Summit in Pakistan is expected to yield key decisions on regional security, economic collaboration, and socio-cultural links among member states. Leaders will assess the performance of the organisation, approve its budget, and discuss future cooperation on pressing global challenges.
While no direct discussions between India and Pakistan are planned, the summit offers a platform for indirect dialogue and multilateral engagement, which could potentially ease tensions. Former Pakistani foreign minister Khursheed Mahmood Kasuri described Jaishankar’s attendance as a positive step that may help reduce hostilities between the two countries.
As the summit concludes, all eyes will be on whether it can pave the way for enhanced collaboration among SCO member states, while also offering Pakistan a chance to strengthen its international standing amid domestic challenges.
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