Pakistan’s Strategic Importance In The SCO: A Bridge Between South And Central Asia – OpEd
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has emerged as a vital platform for fostering regional cooperation, stability and development in the Eurasian region. Since its inception in 2001, the organization has expanded its influence, providing a unique blend of political, economic and security partnerships.
Pakistan, which gained full membership in 2017, plays an increasingly crucial role in the SCO as a bridge between South and Central Asia. Its strategic geographical location, historical ties and multifaceted diplomatic engagements place it in a pivotal position to influence and benefit from the evolving dynamics within the SCO. This article explores Pakistan’s strategic importance in the SCO its role in promoting regional connectivity and how it can leverage its position to advance its own national interests while contributing to the broader goals of the organization.
Geographically Pakistan occupies a central position between South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. Its location makes it a natural gateway for trade and transit routes that link these regions. The country shares borders with two SCO founding members China and India and is in proximity to Central Asian states including Afghanistan which holds observer status in the SCO. This geographical positioning provides Pakistan with a unique opportunity to act as a conduit for regional connectivity.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) highlights Pakistan’s potential as a transit hub. The corridor connects China’s Xinjiang province to Pakistan’s Gwadar port offering China and other Central Asian countries access to the Arabian Sea and global markets. CPEC not only enhances Pakistan’s strategic importance but also aligns with the SCO’s goals of regional development trade facilitation and infrastructure development. Pakistan’s role as a bridge between South and Central Asia can therefore foster greater economic interdependence facilitating regional growth and stability.
The SCO’s objectives include enhancing mutual trust among member states promoting effective cooperation in politics, trade, economy, defense and counterterrorism, as well as ensuring peace, security and stability in the region. As a member of the SCO, Pakistan is strategically placed to contribute to these objectives through its diplomatic, military and economic engagements with member states.
Pakistan has long-standing relations with key SCO members such as China and Russia. Its deep-rooted ties with China in particular have been pivotal in strengthening its role within the organization. The two countries share a multi-faceted relationship that extends beyond CPEC and trade, encompassing defense cooperation, strategic coordination and regional security efforts. Pakistan’s alignment with China’s vision for regional integration further solidifies its role as a strategic bridge in the SCO.
Pakistan’s relations with Russia have also seen a positive trajectory in recent years. Moscow views Islamabad as a critical partner in maintaining stability in the region particularly concerning Afghanistan. Russia and Pakistan have increased their collaboration in counterterrorism efforts military exercises and energy cooperation further enhancing Pakistan’s relevance in the SCO. Through these relationships Pakistan can actively participate in shaping the organization’s agenda particularly in matters related to regional security and economic integration.
One of the key areas where Pakistan’s strategic importance in the SCO becomes evident is in regional security and counterterrorism efforts. The region faces multiple security challenges including terrorism, extremism and separatism all of which are core concerns of the SCO. Pakistan, with its extensive experience in counterterrorism operations and intelligence gathering, has much to offer in this regard.
Pakistan’s military has successfully combated terrorism within its borders particularly in the aftermath of the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan. Its role in dismantling terrorist networks both independently and in collaboration with international partners, demonstrates its capacity to contribute to the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS). Pakistan’s participation in joint military exercises under the SCO umbrella such as the “Peace Mission” drills underscores its commitment to regional stability.
Pakistan’s position as a neighbor to Afghanistan places it at the forefront of efforts to stabilize the war-torn country. The SCO has consistently emphasized the importance of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan for regional security and Pakistan is key to facilitating intra-Afghan dialogue and reconstruction efforts. As a member of the SCO Pakistan can work closely with other member states to develop comprehensive strategies that address terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking which are critical concerns for the region.
Beyond security Pakistan’s strategic importance in the SCO extends to economic integration and trade. The SCO region encompasses some of the fastest-growing economies in the world including China, India and Russia. Pakistan’s inclusion in this bloc offers significant opportunities for trade diversification and investment.
The SCO has been working to promote regional economic cooperation through initiatives such as the SCO Business Council and the SCO Interbank Consortium. Pakistan can leverage these platforms to attract investment in key sectors such as energy infrastructure and agriculture. The country’s participation in the development of regional transport and trade corridors particularly through CPEC positions it as a critical player in facilitating intra-regional trade.
Pakistan’s strategic location also makes it a natural participant in energy cooperation initiatives within the SCO. The Central Asian republics rich in energy resources, are seeking reliable transit routes to export their energy to global markets. Pakistan can serve as a transit hub for energy pipelines, connecting Central Asia to South Asia and beyond. Projects such as the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, if successfully completed would enhance Pakistan’s role as an energy bridge between Central and South Asia.
Pakistan’s growing agricultural sector presents opportunities for export to SCO member states. The country’s participation in SCO agricultural cooperation mechanisms can enhance food security and trade in agricultural products benefiting both Pakistan and its regional partners.
Diplomatically Pakistan’s membership in the SCO enhances its ability to engage with both regional and global powers. The SCO provides a platform for Pakistan to interact with its neighbors including India in a multilateral setting. Despite the ongoing tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi, the SCO serves as a forum for dialogue which can help ease tensions and promote confidence building measures.
Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement within the SCO also strengthens its position in the broader international community. By actively participating in SCO summits, meetings and initiatives Pakistan demonstrates its commitment to multilateralism and regional cooperation. This engagement can help Pakistan enhance its global image especially as it seeks to balance its relationships with major powers such as China, Russia and the United States.
While Pakistan’s strategic importance in the SCO is clear there are also challenges that need to be addressed. One of the primary challenges is managing its relationships with both China and India two key SCO members with whom Pakistan has complex relations. While Pakistan’s ties with China are strong, its relations with India remain fraught with tension. The SCO however can serve as a forum for dialogue and confidence building between the two nuclear armed neighbors.
Another challenge is ensuring that the economic benefits of SCO membership are fully realized. While CPEC offers significant potential Pakistan needs to improve its infrastructure regulatory environment and investment climate to attract more foreign investment. Furthermore, Pakistan must work to diversify its economic relationships within the SCO, ensuring that it does not rely solely on China for trade and investment.
Pakistan’s strategic importance in the SCO cannot be overstated. As a bridge between South and Central Asia the country plays a pivotal role in promoting regional connectivity security and economic cooperation. Through its geographical location diplomatic engagements and contributions to counterterrorism and regional stability Pakistan is well positioned to advance its national interests while contributing to the broader goals of the SCO. By leveraging its strategic position Pakistan can help foster greater integration and cooperation in one of the most dynamic and strategically important regions in the world.
