Pakistan’s Security Success at the SCO Summit
By Aishma Gul
Amid global fears about security and political instability, Pakistan emerged as a prominent participant, successfully hosting the 2024 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad. In a conflict-prone region, Pakistan’s capacity to provide perfect security demonstrated its growing power and resilience. The summit did not just focus on regional cooperation but also the challenges posed by Afghanistan’s security situation, with eight crucial agreements signed to strengthen stability and counterterrorism activities across the region.
Jaishankar’s Rare Visit to Pakistan
In a significant diplomatic gesture, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, made a rare trip to Pakistan, the first by an Indian foreign minister since 2015. His attendance at the summit was a noteworthy demonstration of the SCO’s growing importance in fostering discussion, even among historical adversaries. This visit lent credibility to the discussions, particularly those about security and terrorism, which are common issues for both countries. In his remarks, S Jaishankar stressed the need for territorial integrity and mutual respect.
A Global Model for Security
The success of the SCO summit was largely attributed to Pakistan’s exceptional security management. With over 10,000 security personnel deployed and multiple layers of protection, the event concluded without any security breaches. This is particularly noteworthy when compared to similar high-profile summits that have witnessed security failures—such as the 2008 Mumbai attacks or the 2015 Paris terror attacks, which occurred during an international climate conference, and exposed vulnerabilities despite heavy security measures. Pakistan’s success in this context highlights the professionalism of its military and security forces.
Eight Key Agreements Signed
The conference resulted in eight agreements that addressed the SCO’s budget, secretariat operations, and regional counterterrorism measures. These agreements seek to expedite intelligence sharing, improve joint military exercises, and strengthen economic cooperation among member governments. Pakistan’s active participation in these agreements illustrates its critical role in influencing regional security strategy, particularly in combating terrorism and extremism.
Focus on Afghanistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need to prevent terrorism from taking place on Afghan soil. “Afghanistan plays a crucial role in regional stability, but terrorism from Afghan soil must stop,” he said. Afghanistan discussions dominated the summit, with member states, including Pakistan, pushing for a cohesive strategy to stabilize the war-torn country. Afghanistan’s persistent instability poses a direct threat to regional security, particularly to neighboring nations such as Pakistan, which has suffered the brunt of cross-border terrorism. Over 80% of Pakistan’s border security challenges are related to Afghan-based insurgency, highlighting the significance of concerted action. The summit emphasized the importance of engaging constructively with Afghanistan’s Taliban regime to combat terrorism and promote peace.
Boost to Pakistan’s Economy
The successful hosting of the SCO summit has broader implications for Pakistan’s progress. The country’s ability to provide a secure environment for such a high-profile event is likely to attract future international investments and strengthen economic ties. The SCO’s emphasis on security, economic integration, and infrastructural development, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), places Pakistan as an important role in regional development. According to the Ministry of Planning, Pakistan’s foreign investment is predicted to expand by 15% in 2025, owing in part to improved security and stability.
A New Role for Pakistan
The 2024 SCO summit in Pakistan was a landmark event, showcasing the nation’s ability to maintain security and foster cooperation in a volatile region. As the agreements made during the summit come into effect, Pakistan is poised to strengthen its influence both diplomatically and economically. The nation’s growing role in regional security, especially concerning Afghanistan, highlights its strategic importance within the SCO framework.