Pakistan’s SCO Chairmanship: Turning Regional Vision into Practical Progress

Pakistan’s SCO Chairmanship: Turning Regional Vision into Practical Progress

Pakistan’s SCO Chairmanship: Turning Regional Vision into Practical Progress The 26th Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), held in Bishkek and concluded on September 1, 2017, marked an important development in Pakistan’s regional foreign policy. During the summit, Kyrgyzstan formally transferred the SCO chairmanship to Pakistan, with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif taking the lead for the 2017–2018 term. Since Pakistan became a full SCO member in June 2017, this role offers both a major responsibility and a valuable diplomatic opportunity.

Leaders from China, Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Belarus attended the gathering, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres also participated.

Key Features

• Regional security and counterterrorism
• Trade and energy cooperation
• Regional connectivity
• Climate change
• Artificial intelligence and the digital economy
• Water security
• Afghanistan and regional stability
• Poverty reduction, healthcare and education

Water Security and Counterterrorism

Under the theme “25 Years of the SCO: Together Towards Sustainable Peace, Development and Prosperity,” the summit addressed several major regional concerns. Moreover, Pakistan introduced its chairmanship theme, “Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity,” which reflects Islamabad’s aim to transform dialogue into practical cooperation. Pakistan’s SCO Chairmanship: Turning Regional Vision into Practical Progress

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted water security as a critical regional issue. He argued that countries should never use shared water resources as political pressure or weapons. Instead, they should follow international law, honour treaty commitments and resolve disputes peacefully. For Pakistan, this issue carries enormous importance because the Indus River system supports agriculture, food production and economic activity. Therefore, disruptions to water flows could affect millions.

Security also remained central to the discussions. Pakistan emphasised its heavy losses in the fight against terrorism, including around 90,000 civilian and security personnel deaths over more than 25 years and economic losses exceeding $150 billion. Consequently, Islamabad presented its counterterrorism efforts as an important contribution to wider regional stability. Pakistan’s SCO Chairmanship: Turning Regional Vision into Practical Progress

Connectivity and Regional Cooperation

Afghanistan also featured prominently. Pakistan called for a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan and stressed that Afghan territory should not become a base for attacks against neighbouring countries. At the same time, Islamabad supported regional engagement and shared responsibility.

Furthermore, Pakistan’s geographic position gives it strong potential to connect South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Pakistani ports, and expanded road, rail, energy and trade networks could stimulate economic growth, attract investment and create employment. Pakistan’s SCO Chairmanship: Turning Regional Vision into Practical Progress

Looking Ahead

Pakistan’s agenda also includes energy, trade, poverty reduction, healthcare, education, culture and disaster management. Ultimately, sustainable peace requires both security and human development. Thus, the SCO chairmanship gives Pakistan an opportunity to strengthen regional partnerships and promote shared prosperity. The SCO Heads of State Summit in Islamabad in 2027 will provide an important test of these ambitions. Above all, Pakistan’s success will depend on turning its vision into measurable and practical results.