SCO Summit: Promises, Agreements, and Pakistan’s Role

The recent annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) not only brought together major regional powers on a single platform but also drew global attention to the promises made, agreements signed, and the roadmap laid out for the future. The summit saw renewed commitment among member states to deepen cooperation in economic, security, and trade domains. For Pakistan, this gathering carried significance on multiple fronts.
Pakistan became a full member of the SCO in 2017. Since then, its role within the organization has been gradually evolving. This year’s summit saw Pakistan’s Prime Minister take part and deliver a speech emphasizing the importance of combating terrorism, ensuring regional stability, and strengthening trade links. He also underscored Pakistan’s geographic position as a natural corridor connecting South Asia with Central Asia.

Pakistan’s longstanding friendship with China and strategic projects like CPEC have further enhanced its importance within the SCO. During the summit, Pakistan particularly stressed the need for enhanced cooperation in rail, road, and energy infrastructure sectors.
The relationship between Pakistan and China, often referred to globally as an “Iron Brotherhood,” goes beyond diplomatic niceties and extends deep into economic and trade cooperation. This bond was further strengthened by the second Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference held in Beijing, which added a new dimension to their partnership. A highlight of the conference was the personal participation of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, who delivered the keynote address and outlined a clear roadmap for Pakistan’s economic future.
The Prime Minister assured global investors that Pakistan is rapidly moving towards economic reforms and investor-friendly policies. He especially highlighted the second phase of CPEC (CPEC-II) and the new framework for industrial cooperation. He emphasized that Pakistan’s geographical location gives it a unique edge among emerging economies in the region. His presence gave the conference strong diplomatic, political, and commercial significance.
An estimated 2,500 to 3,000 structured B2B meetings took place during the conference, facilitating business discussions across 9 major and 40 sub-sectors. The event led to the signing of deals and MOUs worth a total of \$8.5 billion, including 21 joint venture agreements (\$1.5 billion) and over 100 MOUs (\$7 billion).

The sectors poised to benefit directly from these investments include energy, agriculture, infrastructure, electric vehicles, textiles, IT, healthcare, and mining. Reports suggest that over 2,000 business delegates participated from both China and Pakistan, transforming the event into a major and practical commercial platform.
At SCO summits, member countries often make grand promises — from enhancing regional trade to eradicating terrorism. But how many of these commitments translate into tangible actions is a different debate. Every year, declarations are made, photos are taken, and hands are shaken— but the impact on the everyday lives of ordinary citizens remains limited.
Indeed, without platforms like the SCO, resolving regional challenges would be difficult. However, if these promises remain on paper only, their value diminishes. For Pakistan, it is essential not to merely participate in such forums but to adopt an active diplomatic approach focused on implementation and follow-through.
This year’s summit witnessed several key agreements, including those related to cybersecurity, counter-narcotics, and cultural cooperation. If implemented seriously, these could benefit not just Pakistan but the entire region.

From an economic perspective, the SCO represents a massive market — with Russia, China, India, and Central Asian republics — where Pakistan can explore new export routes. But to take advantage of this, Pakistan must ensure internal stability, policy continuity, and a corruption-free environment.

The SCO summit is an opportunity for Pakistan to transform its geographical advantage into political and economic strength. But this is only possible if we take a results-oriented approach. Statements, resolutions, and symbolic participation are not enough. Every agreement must be backed by national interest, consistency, and integrity.

If Pakistan uses this forum wisely, not only can it enhance its reputation on the global stage, but the people of Pakistan may finally begin to feel the real benefits of such international engagements.