23rd SCO Heads of Government Meeting Begins in Islamabad: A Strategic Turning Point for Regional Cooperation

Islamabad is hosting the highly anticipated 23rd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG), which officially kicks off today. This pivotal summit will be chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, marking Pakistan’s role as the current chair of the SCO CHG. The meeting promises to be a landmark event as leaders from SCO member states gather to discuss key regional issues ranging from security to economic development and environmental cooperation.

The SCO, a regional organization founded in 2001, includes major powers like China and Russia, as well as several Central Asian nations. Its main objectives are to strengthen mutual trust, promote economic growth, enhance security cooperation, and foster cultural ties between its members. The CHG is the second highest decision-making body within the SCO, and the meeting in Islamabad will address critical issues that are expected to shape the future of regional cooperation.

Global Dignitaries Arrive in Islamabad

A significant number of high-ranking officials and heads of government from the SCO member states have already arrived in Pakistan’s federal capital. The list of attendees includes prominent leaders such as China’s Premier of the State Council, Li Qiang, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko, and Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov. In addition, Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber, Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and Mongolia’s Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai are attending as observers and special guests.

To ensure the security of the high-profile event, Pakistan’s government has taken stringent measures. Over 10,000 police personnel have been deployed across Islamabad to provide security for the approximately 900 international delegates. Roads leading to the Jinnah Convention Center, where the meeting is taking place, have been cordoned off, with patrols and security checkpoints stationed throughout the capital.

Key Agenda Items: Regional Security, Economic Growth, and Climate Action

The SCO summit will address a wide range of critical issues with a focus on fostering regional cooperation. Some of the primary agenda points include:

• Regional Security and Counter-Terrorism Efforts: In the face of growing security challenges in the region, the SCO aims to enhance its collaborative approach to counter-terrorism and extremism. The summit will likely include discussions on strengthening the role of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) to combat terrorism more effectively.
• Economic Connectivity and Trade Expansion: Leaders will discuss ways to improve connectivity among SCO members to enhance trade routes, particularly under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which already connects many of the member states. Pakistan is especially keen on strengthening trade ties through infrastructure development projects.
• Climate Change and Environmental Cooperation: Environmental sustainability is expected to be a key talking point, as the region grapples with climate challenges such as rising temperatures, water scarcity, and deforestation. The SCO will explore joint efforts to mitigate these issues through cooperative policies and resource-sharing initiatives.

Pakistan’s Strategic Gains: Major MoUs Expected

For Pakistan, the SCO CHG meeting holds immense importance, not only in terms of diplomatic engagement but also in securing crucial economic deals. On the sidelines of the summit, Pakistan is expected to sign multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) amounting to $11 billion in investment with China, Russia, and other member states. These MoUs will cover projects across several sectors including infrastructure, IT, agriculture, energy, and transportation.

One of the key deals on the table is a $6.8 billion investment agreement with China for the Main Line-I (ML-I) railway project, a critical component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The ML-I project, which will be completed in three phases, aims to overhaul Pakistan’s aging railway system, boosting both passenger and freight capacity. The first phase will cost $2.7 billion, while the remaining phases will be completed with investments of $2.6 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively.

Other agreements include the Sukkur to Hyderabad Motorway, an essential link in Pakistan’s north-south transport network, costing approximately 400 billion rupees. Once completed, this motorway will allow uninterrupted travel from Karachi to Peshawar, facilitating trade and passenger movement across the country.

Pakistan and China are also expected to sign new agreements under CPEC Phase II, which will focus on expanding energy and infrastructure projects. Additionally, Russia and Pakistan will hold discussions on upgrading the Quetta-Taftan railway line, and Belarus is looking to engage in a tractor manufacturing project in Pakistan.

High-Level Bilateral Meetings

Beyond the formal sessions, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to hold several high-level bilateral meetings with visiting heads of government. These meetings will provide an opportunity for Pakistan to deepen ties with key regional partners and explore new avenues for collaboration, particularly in the areas of defense, trade, and investment.

A Strategic Milestone for Pakistan

The 23rd SCO CHG meeting is being viewed as a significant diplomatic milestone for Pakistan. As the rotating chair of the SCO for 2023-2024, Pakistan is using the opportunity to showcase its leadership role in fostering regional cooperation. Prime Minister Sharif’s focus on economic development, particularly through infrastructure investments, is expected to yield long-term benefits for Pakistan’s economy.

Furthermore, Pakistan’s emphasis on regional security and counter-terrorism cooperation is crucial, given the volatile situation in neighboring Afghanistan and ongoing concerns over extremism. The summit is expected to reaffirm the SCO’s commitment to collective security, a key priority for all member states.