SCO 2024: Can Pakistan Overcome Domestic Challenges To Lead On The Global Stage?
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a political, economic, and security alliance in Eurasia. Established in 2001, the SCO includes eight members: China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and four Central Asian countries — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It also has four observer states (Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia) and several dialogue partners.
Pakistan has historically acted as a bridge between South and Central Asia because of its geographic location, and this summit will reaffirm that role. The SCO’s areas of focus particularly security, economic development, and infrastructure — are deeply relevant to Pakistan, which has faced both internal and external security threats. As the SCO broadens its activities beyond security into economic and infrastructure development, Pakistan can play a crucial role, particularly as an energy and trade link between Central Asia and the Indian Ocean.
At a time when Pakistan is dealing with economic and political challenges, hosting the SCO summit may allow the country to present itself as capable of managing international events and addressing global issues. The SCO summit in Islamabad may offer Pakistan a rare chance to reshape and recalibrate its role in the Global South and boost its international standing. By hosting this event, Pakistan may not only position itself as a key member of the organization but also use the opportunity to strengthen its diplomatic profile, highlight its strategic importance, and show its potential to lead regional cooperation. The summit could be an opportunity for Pakistan to collaborate more deeply with major powers and Central Asian countries, and to seek economic partnerships and security arrangements that align with its national interests.
However, Pakistan’s persistent internal challenges such as political instability, economic struggles, social unrest, and unresolved security threats present significant barriers to its effective leadership on the global stage. The surging economic crisis, widespread corruption, nepotism, absence of the rule of law, and a crisis in governance are key fault lines that diminish Pakistan’s regional and international standing. Ongoing political gridlock, frequent changes in government, and deep divisions between political factions sap the administration’s capacity to focus on the SCO’s key issues. Economic hardships, including soaring inflation, currency devaluation, and high debt levels, further erode Pakistan’s ability to negotiate favorable terms or fund initiatives that may arise from the summit. Additionally, societal challenges like sectarian violence, religious extremism, and ethnic tensions not only tarnish Pakistan’s image internationally but also complicate efforts to present a cohesive and unified national stance. Without addressing these issues, Pakistan’s credibility and ability to lead within the SCO will remain severely compromised.
Another key issue is that Pakistan’s internal problems could hinder its ability to effectively implement any agreements or initiatives arising from the SCO discussions. The SCO provides an important platform for cooperation on security matters, including counter-terrorism, and for advancing economic projects. However, Pakistan’s ongoing political instability, economic uncertainty, and security threats could undermine its credibility in the eyes of its international partners. These partners may doubt Pakistan’s ability to sustain its commitments or follow through on ambitious projects. Without stability, Pakistan’s participation in long-term regional initiatives could be viewed as unreliable, potentially causing hesitation among other member states in fully engaging with or investing in Pakistan’s proposals.
In essence, for Pakistan to fully capitalize on the 2024 SCO summit, it must first tackle its pressing internal issues, such as political instability, economic challenges, and security concerns. Addressing these problems would not only enhance Pakistan’s credibility on the international stage but also ensure it can effectively engage in meaningful dialogue and collaboration with other SCO member states. If left unresolved, these internal challenges could limit Pakistan’s ability to implement agreements or initiatives that arise from the summit, weakening its position as a regional leader. Failure to act may also result in missed opportunities for Pakistan to influence the regional agenda, foster deeper partnerships, and secure long-term economic and security benefits.
