Islamabad completes final preparations for SCO summit and Chinese bilateral visit

Islamabad will become the focal point of regional diplomacy as it hosts the 23rd Council of the Heads of Government (CHG) meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) from October 15-16.

The gathering, chaired by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, represents a critical moment for Pakistan on the international stage. High-ranking officials from across the SCO member states will attend, with nine out of 10 members confirming their participation at the prime ministerial level or equivalent.

Among the notable attendees are the heads of government from China, Russia, and several Central Asian countries, along with Iran’s First Vice President. India's delegation will be led by External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Mongolia and Turkmenistan will send representatives in observer and special guest capacities.

Held at Islamabad's Jinnah Convention Center, discussions are expected to cover topics ranging from economic partnerships to environmental concerns and cultural exchanges. The summit will also assess the SCO’s progress and outline its future direction.

Mumtaz Baloch, spokesperson for Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, emphasized Pakistan's commitment to fostering regional cooperation and connectivity. “This summit is an opportunity for Pakistan to strengthen ties with its neighbors and push forward key initiatives,” Baloch said in a recent statement.

In a press conference on Sunday evening, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar announced that Pakistan is fully prepared to host the upcoming SCO summit.

"Heads of member and observer states, along with their delegates, will be attending the summit. The Indian foreign minister is also expected. We will ensure that the event is hosted with the highest standards of excellence," he said.

Addressing the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest, Dar criticized the timing, noting that it sends a negative message during a nationally significant event. "This political party previously staged a sit-in during the Chinese prime minister's visit in 2014," he pointed out.

He further stated that PTI has made it a pattern to protest during major events, urging the party to "correct" its course of action.

The timing of the summit is particularly significant for Pakistan, as Chinese Premier Li Qiang is scheduled to make a bilateral visit to the country from October 14-17.

Security personnel stand guard in front of the Presidential Palace ahead of a Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Islamabad on October 13, 2024. AFP

Li’s visit will include talks with PM Shehbaz and President Asif Ali Zardari, focusing on deepening economic ties and advancing projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

However, the summit’s diplomatic potential may face challenges on the ground. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has announced protests in Islamabad on October 15, raising concerns over security measures for the event.

Government officials are working to ensure the safety of participants and the smooth conduct of the summit despite the political tensions.

The SCO, a regional organization that includes China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and several Central Asian nations, plays a crucial role in fostering economic, political, and security cooperation in Eurasia.

What is SCO?

The SCO, initially established by China and Russia, now includes ten permanent members.

The founding members, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, were later joined by Pakistan and India in June 2017.

Currently, three countries hold observer status and 14 are dialogue partners, together representing about 40% of the global population and approximately 32% of the world’s GDP. Iran and Belarus were the latest additions in 2023 and 2024.

The organization’s goals include promoting regional peace, enhancing economic and technological cooperation, and encouraging good neighborly relations. A meeting of the SCO’s Ministers of Trade and Economic Affairs will be held on September 10-11, preceding the summit.