Pakistan to Host Next Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit: PM Shehbaz Sharif

Introduction

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially announced that Pakistan will host the next Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, a major diplomatic gathering that brings together some of the world’s most influential regional powers. The announcement reflects Islamabad’s growing role in regional cooperation, economic development, and security dialogues.

What is the SCO?

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a powerful regional alliance established in 2001. It includes countries such as China, Russia, Pakistan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, with several observer states and dialogue partners, including Iran, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.

The SCO has become one of the world’s most significant platforms for:

• Strengthening economic cooperation
• Addressing security challenges such as terrorism and extremism
• Promoting cultural and people-to-people exchanges
• Building a multipolar world order

Pakistan’s Role in the SCO

Since joining the SCO as a full member in 2017, Pakistan has actively participated in multiple initiatives. Hosting the next summit is a major achievement, showcasing Pakistan’s diplomatic credibility and willingness to act as a bridge between different nations in the region.

According to PM Shehbaz Sharif, the summit will focus on:

• Enhancing regional trade and connectivity
• Countering terrorism and extremism collectively
• Energy and infrastructure development projects under regional frameworks
• Strengthening cultural and educational exchanges among SCO nations

Significance for Pakistan

Hosting the SCO Summit carries immense importance for Pakistan:

1. Diplomatic Prestige – It places Pakistan at the center of regional decision-making.
2. Economic Opportunities – Strengthening trade ties with China, Russia, and Central Asia could boost exports and investment.
3. Strategic Position – Pakistan’s role as a gateway for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) enhances its value in the SCO framework.
4. Security Cooperation – It offers a platform to address cross-border terrorism and regional peace-building.

Global & Regional Reactions

International observers have welcomed Pakistan’s announcement, seeing it as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between South Asia and Central Asia. China and Russia, two leading powers in the SCO, are expected to extend strong support for Pakistan’s leadership in hosting the event.

Meanwhile, experts note that India’s participation will be closely watched, especially given strained bilateral ties with Pakistan. Analysts believe the summit could provide a rare diplomatic channel for dialogue.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s hosting of the upcoming SCO Summit marks a historic diplomatic milestone. It underscores Islamabad’s growing importance in regional cooperation and global politics. With economic, security, and cultural issues at the core of the agenda, the summit promises to strengthen Pakistan’s role as a key player in shaping the future of the region.