PM Shehbaz Sharif hosts dinner for SCO leaders with rare Indo-Pak gesture

ISLAMABAD: The annual dinner ceremony hosted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in honour of the heads and delegates of member countries attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit commenced with notable significance on Monday evening.

Among the distinguished guests, China’s Prime Minister Li Qiang was the first to arrive, setting the tone for a gathering aimed at fostering cooperation among member states.

Jaishankar-PM Shehbaz exchange handshake

Meanwhile, PM Sharif exchanged also a handshake with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

This rare interaction marked the first visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly a decade, highlighting the ongoing complexities in diplomatic ties between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Both leaders greeted each other at the dinner, which is part of the broader SCO summit activities taking place in the capital.

Jaishankar’s arrival at Islamabad’s airbase shortly before 3:30 PM was ceremoniously accompanied by children presenting him with bouquets of flowers, underscoring the event’s importance.

He is among a cohort of nearly a dozen leaders participating in the summit, which is scheduled to culminate in its main events on Wednesday.

Despite the diplomatic overture symbolized by the handshake, sources indicate that no formal bilateral meetings are on the agenda, reflecting the persistent frosty relations that have characterized interactions between India and Pakistan in recent years.

Security measures have been tightened across the capital to ensure the smooth conduct of the event, given the delicate geopolitical atmosphere.

The SCO summit, taking place from October 15 to 16, aims to bolster multilateral cooperation among member states, focusing on pressing issues such as counter-terrorism, economic collaboration, and climate change. This year’s gathering in Islamabad marks the 25th meeting of the Heads of State of SCO member countries, a significant milestone for the organization founded in 2001 in Shanghai, China.

Objectives and structure of  SCO

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization was originally established by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. As of 2024, its membership has expanded to include 10 full member countries, with the addition of India and Pakistan, as well as Iran and Belarus.

The SCO’s main objectives include enhancing mutual trust and cooperation among member states and promoting regional stability through collective action against terrorism and extremism.

The organization’s administrative structure features several key institutions, including the Heads of State Council (HSC) and the Heads of Government Council (HGC). The HSC serves as the supreme decision-making body, while the HGC focuses on economic cooperation, approving the organization’s budget and initiatives.

Key issues on agenda

The summit’s agenda encompasses critical topics aimed at addressing regional and global challenges:

1. Counter-terrorism: A primary focus will be on countering cross-border terrorism, with discussions on isolating nations that harbor terrorists and enhancing the Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS)
2. Economic cooperation: Economic initiatives, trade, and investment opportunities will be explored to strengthen inter-member economic ties
3. Climate change and environmental protection: The summit will also address the urgent need for environmental stewardship and collaborative efforts to combat climate change
4. Strengthening multilateral dialogue: The overarching theme of the summit—”Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue – Striving for Sustainable Peace and Prosperity”—reflects a commitment to fostering collaboration amidst rising global tensions and promoting a multipolar world order

The event in Islamabad has attracted a diverse array of leaders, including the Prime Ministers of China, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Additionally, the first vice president of Iran and the Indian foreign minister are also in attendance, alongside special guests such as the foreign ministers of Turkmenistan and the Prime Minister of Mongolia, who is present as an observer.

As the summit unfolds over the next two days, leaders will deliberate on enhancing cooperation across various sectors, aiming to resolve ongoing conflicts and promote stability in the region.

The SCO continues to serve as a platform for dialogue and collaboration, playing a crucial role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of Central and South Asia.

Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir met with the Prime Minister of Belarus Roman Golovchenko to discuss bilateral security and defense cooperation, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Monday.

During the meeting, the two leaders exchanged views on regional issues and explored ways to enhance military collaboration between Pakistan and Belarus.

General Asim Munir lauded Belarus for its cooperation in both global and regional affairs, expressing Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen defense ties.

Prime Minister Golovchenko, in turn, praised the professionalism of the Pakistani armed forces and acknowledged their crucial role in promoting regional peace and stability.

He also commended Pakistan’s efforts and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.

The 23rd summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is officially underway in Pakistan as high-profile delegates, including prime ministers and foreign ministers from member nations, have begun arriving in Islamabad for the two-day event. 

Prime ministers from three member states have already touched down in the capital for the two-day event, where they were warmly welcomed by federal ministers.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has touched down in Islamabad, marking a historic moment between the two countries. His presence has sparked interest as it could offer a platform for indirect dialogue between the two neighbouring nations despite ongoing tensions.

This is the first time in around a decade that an Indian external affairs minister has arrived in Pakistan since the previous one by the late Sushma Swaraj. Jaishankar was received at the Nur Khan airbase by Foreign Office Director General (South Asia & SAARC) Ilyas Mehmood Nizami. Landed in Islamabad totake part in SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting.

Later, the visiting Indian minister tweeted from his official X handle that he landed in Islamabad for the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting.

Earlier in the day, the prime minister of Kyrgyzstan arrived in Pakistan to participate in the SCO Summit. The Kyrgyz premier’s plane landed at PAF Base Nur Khan in Islamabad. Federal Minister for Petroleum Musadik Malik welcomed the dignitary.

SCO Summit agenda: All you need to know!

Islamabad is set to host the 23rd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State, with high-level foreign delegations expected to arrive in the capital today.

The two-day event, to be held at the Jinnah Convention Center on October 16, will bring together leaders from SCO member countries to discuss key regional and international issues.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will host a dinner in honour of the visiting delegations. He will then formally welcome the guests on their arrival at the convention centre. After the arrival of guests, reception and group photos, the conference will formally kick off.

According to the Foreign Office, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will officially inaugurate the conference with a welcome address, followed by speeches from the heads of foreign delegations.

Later, the event will feature the signing of important documents as part of the meeting’s agenda, culminating in concluding remarks from Prime Minister Sharif. A luncheon will also be held in honour of the participants.

At the conclusion of the event, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and the SCO secretary general will address the media to share key outcomes and insights from the conference.

Pakistan is geared up to host the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit on October 15-16 in Islamabad.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit (SCO) is an intergovernmental entity that focuses on addressing political, economic, defence, and security matters within the Eurasian region. It is primarily overseen by the Council of Heads of State (HSC) and the Council of Heads of Government (HGC).

The summit is not only a platform for diplomatic engagements, but also a significant opportunity for Pakistan to enhance its socio-political and economic standing. Holding this summit in Pakistan is a great opportunity to clarify how it can attract investment and contribute to regional connectivity.

Origin and Founding Nations of SCO

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was established in 2001 and currently encompasses nine member states, comprising

• China
• Russia
• Iran
• India
• Pakistan
• Tajikistan
• Uzbekistan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Kazakhstan

In addition, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) comprises three observer states: Afghanistan, Belarus, and Mongolia. Furthermore, the SCO has 14 dialogue partners, namely Sri Lanka, Turkey, Cambodia, Azerbaijan, Nepal, Armenia, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Myanmar, Maldives and the United Arab Emirates.

The headquarters of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is situated in Beijing, China, where it effectively coordinates the organization’s growing range of activities. The member nations are committed to fostering peace, security, and economic cooperation within their respective countries.

In 2017, full membership was conferred upon India, and Pakistan also attained full membership status within the SCO under the tenure of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, during the government of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in 2017. Consequently, the total number of member countries reached eight as of 2024.

Who is attending the SCO CHG Summit in Pakistan?

Several heads of government from member countries will participate in the ongoing summit, including S. Jaishankar (India), Shehbaz Sharif (Pakistan), Li Qiang (China), Mikhail Mishustin (Russia), and other leaders from SCO member states, including heads of government of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran, as the main speakers at the 2024 SCO summit.

The prime minister of Mongolia, Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai, is participating as an observer, and the deputy chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, will attend as a special guest.

In addition, representatives from international organizations, such as the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the European Economic Community, are also in attendance.

Pakistan’s Role & Strategic Importance in SCO Summit 2024

Since becoming a full member in 2017, Pakistan has actively participated in SCO activities and contributed to the organization’s objectives.

The SCO Summit 2024 holds great diplomatic significance for Pakistan, occurring at a crucial juncture amidst regional and global geopolitical shifts. With major powers re-evaluating their alliances and Asia emerging as a key centre for economic and political activity, Pakistan’s membership in the SCO places it at a critical juncture of strategic influence.

Pakistan’s strategic location has long been considered a geopolitical asset. Through active participation in multilateral platforms such as the SCO, Pakistan can secure both economic benefits and diplomatic capital. The escalating prominence of China, Russia’s pivot toward Asia, and the escalating significance of Central Asia provide Pakistan with a renewed opportunity to assert itself on the world stage.

In this SCO conference, Pakistan will prioritize the enhancement of regional infrastructure and economic ties, particularly through initiatives such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Pakistan holds a pivotal role in these initiatives, underscoring the significance of maintaining robust diplomatic relations with these nations. The summit will further fortify Pakistan’s ties with these regional powerhouses, creating opportunities for new agreements, collaborative ventures, and strategic partnerships.

In its capacity as the host of the 2024 summit, Pakistan has the opportunity to leverage this platform for the promotion of its economic agenda, with a specific focus on trade liberalization, investment facilitation, and infrastructure development. The SCO summit presents the potential to create new pathways for trade by fostering regional connectivity through initiatives such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as well as by expanding trade routes between Central and South Asia. This forum will also help neutralize the tense situation between Pakistan and China that was created after the recent terror attack on Chinese individuals in Karachi.

Security remains a critical focus of the SCO agenda. For Pakistan, which has faced significant internal security challenges, the summit provides an opportunity to share its experiences in counterterrorism and collaborate with regional powers on security strategies.

Pakistan seeks to emphasize collaboration on matters of law and order, while also addressing security challenges such as terrorism, extremism, and separatism. These efforts are aimed at fostering a stable and peaceful environment within the region.

Furthermore, as Afghanistan continues to pose security challenges after the Taliban takeover, Pakistan can collaborate with other SCO members to collectively address these complexities. By establishing itself as a significant participant in regional security discussions, Pakistan seeks to reduce threats while strengthening its influence within the organization. The relationship between Pakistan and India is a sensitive issue at this meeting. Despite ongoing tensions, both countries are members of the SCO, and this multilateral forum provides a rare opportunity for dialogue, albeit indirect. Pakistan’s invitation to India to attend the meeting indicates Islamabad’s willingness to engage diplomatically within a broader regional framework.

While economic cooperation is essential, security remains an equally vital pillar for Pakistan within the SCO. The country continues to grapple with internal security challenges, particularly in its border regions, where terrorism and extremism remain persistent threats.

The potential outcomes of this meeting may significantly influence the future trajectory of the SCO, underscoring the vital role of multilateralism in an increasingly intricate global landscape.

This SCO Summit represents a crucial opportunity for Pakistan to assert its role as a key player in regional dynamics. By hosting this event, Pakistan can demonstrate its commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration among member states, which collectively account for about 40% of the global population and approximately 32% of the world’s GDP.

Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Tuesday arrived in Pakistan to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit.

Kyrgystan premier plane landed at PAF Base Nur Khan in Islamabad.

Federal Minister of Petroleum Musadik Malik welcomed the Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan.

The 23rd meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states will begin today in the federal capital.

The SCO Summit 2024 will take place to enhance cooperation and make important organizational decisions.

On the occasion of the meeting, important places across the city have been decorated with colorful lights and Pakistani flags.

At the SCO meeting, the leaders of the member countries will make important organizational decisions to further enhance cooperation and approve the organization’s budget.