Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Founding Chair GSRRA, Sinologist, Diplomat, Editor, Analyst, Advisor, Consultant, Researcher at Global South Economic and Trade Cooperation Research Center, and Non-Resident Fellow of CCG. (E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com).

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has gradually evolved from a regional bloc into one of the most influential multilateral platforms in Eurasia. The 2025 Summit, hosted in Tianjin under the chairmanship of President Xi Jinping, reinforced this trajectory. For Pakistan, the gathering was more than symbolic—it was an opportunity to remind the world of its central role in shaping peace, connectivity, and shared prosperity in the region.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif led Pakistan’s delegation with a clear message: Pakistan is not on the sidelines of the SCO story, it is at the very heart of it. His interventions during the Council of Heads of State (CHS) and the CHS Plus meetings underscored both Pakistan’s commitment to the “Shanghai Spirit” and its readiness to contribute constructively to the organization’s expanding agenda.

Reaffirming the Shanghai Spirit

At the Tianjin Summit, the Prime Minister restated Pakistan’s deep attachment to the Shanghai Spirit—anchored in mutual trust, respect for sovereignty, inclusivity, and shared growth. This was not just rhetoric. It was a reminder that Pakistan views stability and cooperation as strategic necessities, not diplomatic slogans.

His remarks carried a subtle yet pointed message: treaties and commitments must be honored, including water-sharing agreements. This call for fairness and adherence to rules was particularly relevant in South Asia, where India has often attempted to politicize shared resources. By contrast, Pakistan’s position remains consistent—respect for international law and multilateral frameworks is the only path forward.

Peace through Dialogue, Not Confrontation

One of the defining moments of Prime Minister Sharif’s speech was his reiteration of Pakistan’s desire for peaceful relations with its neighbors. Dialogue and diplomacy, he argued, must replace hostility and coercion.

This is a position Pakistan has consistently maintained, even when India refuses to reciprocate. The Prime Minister’s emphasis on structured dialogue to resolve outstanding disputes highlighted Pakistan’s maturity as a responsible state actor. Without peace between Pakistan and India, the economic and developmental potential of South Asia will remain hostage to mistrust and rivalry. Pakistan continues to extend the olive branch—yet India persists with unilateralism, occupation, and exclusion. From Tianjin, Islamabad sent a powerful reminder: Pakistan’s hand remains extended, but peace cannot be achieved unilaterally.

A Frontline State against Terrorism

Another key theme was terrorism—an area where Pakistan’s sacrifices need no elaboration. The Prime Minister reminded the Summit that Pakistan has been both victim and victor in the fight against terror, paying an enormous price: over 80,000 lives lost and billions of dollars in damages.

He also spoke candidly about external interference, pointing to irrefutable evidence of foreign involvement in terrorist attacks such as the Jaffar Express hostage crisis and repeated strikes in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These were not isolated incidents but part of a larger pattern of state-backed terrorism targeting Pakistan’s stability.

By raising these concerns at the SCO, Pakistan did two things: it reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating terrorism in all its forms, and it exposed the double standards of those who selectively use the terrorism narrative for political gain. Within the SCO framework, Pakistan’s experience and sacrifices remain unmatched, making it a key contributor to regional security.

Economic Transformation and Connectivity

Security, however, is only part of Pakistan’s story. The Prime Minister outlined a comprehensive economic transformation plan rooted in three pillars: trade expansion, innovation, and revenue generation. This vision mirrors the SCO’s new Development Strategy 2035, which prioritizes innovation-driven growth, green industry, and regional connectivity.

Geography has always been Pakistan’s greatest asset. Situated at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and West Asia, with direct access to the Arabian Sea, Pakistan offers the shortest and most efficient transit routes for SCO countries. CPEC—described by the Prime Minister as a trans-regional lifeline—is already reshaping the region’s connectivity landscape. Linking Western China, Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East, CPEC is not just a bilateral project but a shared opportunity for the entire SCO.

In any serious conversation about Eurasian integration, Pakistan is not just relevant—it is indispensable.

Standing Firm on Global Issues

Pakistan’s role at Tianjin was not confined to regional concerns. On global issues, Islamabad stood firmly on the side of justice and human dignity. Prime Minister Sharif condemned Israel’s ongoing military offensive in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire. He also criticized the attack on Iran, reminding the Summit of the dangers of undermining the sovereignty of SCO member states.

This consistency—defending international law and human rights—distinguishes Pakistan’s foreign policy. Unlike opportunistic players who bend with the winds of global politics, Pakistan has repeatedly placed principles over expediency.

On Afghanistan, Pakistan reiterated its long-held position: instability in Kabul threatens the entire region. Instead of isolation, Afghanistan needs meaningful engagement. Given its proximity and deep cultural and historical ties, Pakistan’s role in ensuring regional peace in Afghanistan remains vital.

Multilateralism and Inclusive Diplomacy

At the CHS Plus meeting, the Prime Minister made an important point: multilateralism is not optional—it is essential. By urging members to uphold the UN Charter, embrace dialogue, and invest in inclusive diplomacy, Pakistan projected itself as a strong advocate for cooperative global governance.

He stressed that SCO must prioritize innovation and growth, particularly in new fields such as artificial intelligence and green industries. Welcoming Laos as a new Dialogue Partner and endorsing President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative, Pakistan aligned itself with the vision of a multipolar, inclusive, and cooperative world order.

Exposing India’s Obstructionist Role

India’s role in multilateral forums has often been divisive. Within the SCO, it has sought to obstruct initiatives such as CPEC and used the platform to push narrow agendas. Pakistan’s constructive participation at Tianjin once again highlighted the contrast: while India resists connectivity and clings to unilateralism in Kashmir, Pakistan champions dialogue, integration, and cooperation.

The SCO is beginning to recognize this contrast. Islamabad’s diplomatic maturity and alignment with the Shanghai Spirit stand in stark relief against New Delhi’s confrontational posture. In the long run, those who promote division will find themselves increasingly isolated.

Pakistan as a Trusted Partner

Since joining the SCO in 2017, Pakistan has proven itself to be a reliable and constructive partner. It has hosted high-level meetings, taken part in counterterrorism exercises, and supported the organization’s multi-sectoral agenda. Hosting the Council of Heads of Government in Islamabad in 2024 was a clear demonstration of Pakistan’s capacity to lead.

At Tianjin, Pakistan once again played the role of bridge-builder—advocating connectivity, urging dialogue, and putting forward practical solutions for common challenges. Whether in counterterrorism, economic integration, or global governance, Pakistan is contributing to making the SCO more relevant and effective.

The Road Ahead

The Tianjin Summit produced important outcomes: the Tianjin Declaration, the SCO Development Strategy 2035, and new permanent bodies such as the Universal Center in Moscow and the Anti-Drug Center in Dushanbe. For Pakistan, active participation in these initiatives will be vital, particularly in counter-narcotics, counterterrorism, and regional trade.

Looking ahead, Pakistan’s priorities in the SCO should focus on five areas:

Strengthening regional trade and connectivity through CPEC and transit corridors.

Advocating structured dialogue for conflict resolution in South Asia.

Deepening counterterrorism cooperation while exposing state-sponsored terrorism.

Promoting climate resilience and sustainable growth.

Supporting multipolarity and inclusive governance in line with China’s vision.

Pakistan’s Central Role in the SCO Vision

The SCO is no longer just a regional grouping—it is an emerging pole in global politics and economics. For this vision to succeed, Pakistan’s role is central. Its geography, its sacrifices, and its commitment to dialogue and connectivity make it a cornerstone of the SCO’s architecture.

From Tianjin, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sent a powerful message: Pakistan is a responsible, constructive, and forward-looking partner, fully committed to peace and prosperity in the region. In contrast to India’s obstructionism, Pakistan’s approach reflects the true spirit of cooperation that defines the SCO.

As Eurasia and South Asia navigate an era of challenges and opportunities, Pakistan stands ready—not only as a member but as a vital force—for stability, integration, and collective growth.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)