ISLAMABAD, Oct 22 (Alliance News): The 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government Meeting, recently held in Islamabad, offered Pakistan a vital platform to enhance regional connectivity, strengthen trade and economic ties, and improve security cooperation among member nations.
These views were shared during a roundtable discussion titled “Post-SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting 2024: Unpacking the Results and Opportunities,” organized by the Centre for SCO Studies at the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies, Pakistan-SCO Friendship Forum, and Riphah Institute of Public Policy.
The event focused on the key outcomes of the meeting held on October 15-16, 2024.
Dr. Farhat Asif, President of the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies, highlighted the strategic and economic significance of the summit, emphasizing the need for multilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, security, and sustainable development.
In her keynote address, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch outlined major achievements from the meeting, including Pakistan’s upcoming role as chair of the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) in 2025 and its hosting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in 2026.
She noted that the successful organization of the event had elevated Pakistan’s global standing.
Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director of the China-Pakistan Study Centre at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, discussed the economic and strategic advantages Pakistan could gain from its active participation in the SCO.
He emphasized that security and economic collaboration would contribute to the country’s stability and growth.
Dr. Sarwat Rauf from the National University of Modern Languages highlighted Pakistan’s critical role in enhancing connectivity between Central and South Asia, particularly its efforts in addressing regional security issues.
Dr. Muhammad Munir of MY University provided insights into the summit’s key outcomes, particularly the importance of initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in promoting regional peace and development.
The session concluded with Dr. Rashid Aftab, Director of the Riphah Institute of Public Policy, calling for stronger collaboration among SCO member states to tackle shared challenges, especially in sustainable development and climate action.
The event drew participation from diplomats, academics, civil society members, and media representatives, all of whom discussed the opportunities that the SCO’s focus on geo-economics and regional integration presents for Pakistan.
