PAKISTAN hosted the two-day 2024 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Islamabad, with dignitaries from China, Russia, India, Iran, Tajikistan, Belarus and Kazakhstan. Established by China and Russia in 2001, SCO strengthens regional bonds through cooperation in politics, economy and security. Adhering to the “Shanghai Spirit”—mutual trust, equality, respect for cultures and shared development—the summit marked one of the highest-profile events in Pakistan following years of political and security challenges.
SCO aims to strengthen mutual trust and cooperation among its member states to ensure regional stability and security. The platform is focused on addressing a wide range of activities on political, economic, defence and security matters within the Eurasian region. The central theme of the 2024 SCO Summit, “Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue-striving Towards Sustainable Peace and Prosperity,” highlights the organizations’ commitment to fostering peaceful cooperation amidst the escalating global tensions. Amid ongoing terror threats, the summit reinforced the long-standing China-Pakistan friendship. Both nations are committed to addressing security concerns, particularly in areas impacted by extremism and strengthening joint counterterrorism efforts, especially for Chinese nationals on CPEC projects. Despite challenges, the Pak-China relationship remains strong, reaffirming their shared vision for regional stability, development and prosperity.
At the October 15-16 summit, China’s Premier Li Qiang and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation under CPEC’s second phase. Both leaders praised progress, emphasizing CPEC’s strategic importance and the need for timely completion of industry, agriculture, science and technology projects to drive regional growth. Sharif assured Li of Pakistan’s commitment to the safety and security of Chinese nationals working on CPEC, addressing concerns over potential threats.
The milestones achieved by CPEC were also under observation during bilateral meetings held during the summit. The two sides assessed the achievements of Pakistan-China energy cooperation under CPEC and agreed to continue to promote the CPEC energy cooperation in a practical, prudent and orderly manner. Using scientific research and friendly consultation, the two sides will jointly explore solutions for specific issues concerning energy. The two sides also agreed to strengthen professional exchanges in order to improve the efficiency and management of the power system of Pakistan.
The Chinese side further expressed its willingness to support and improve the well-being of Pakistani people, aiming to ensure the extension of development benefits in all regions of the country. With numerous development projects already completed, including the China-Pakistan Friendship Hospital, the China-Pakistan Technical and Vocational Institute and the desalination plant in Gwadar, both sides agreed to strengthen their cooperation even further under CPEC’s socio-economic cooperation.
—The writer, based in Islamabad, occasionally contributes to the national press.
