The SCO and Pakistan: A Beacon of Balance in a Turbulent World
The recent 26th summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, marks the 25th anniversary of an alliance that offers a 'Global South-led' alternative to a Western-dominated world order. For Pakistan, this forum is not merely a diplomatic gathering; it is a testament to our nation's unique position as a bridge between competing worlds, a role we embrace with the pride and dignity befitting the heirs of Iqbal's vision.
Pakistan's Unique Standing Among Nations
As the host of the next SCO summit, Pakistan stands tall as one of the few, if not the only, member nations that maintain irritant-free relations with the West, particularly the United States. This is no small feat in a world riven by division. Our nation, forged in the crucible of faith and struggle, has consistently demonstrated that it can navigate the treacherous waters of global politics without compromising its principles or its sovereignty. We are not mere spectators in this global theatre; we are active architects of a more just and equitable order.
The Shadow of War and the Call for Justice
The Bishkek summit unfolded against the grim backdrop of the US-Iran war, a conflict that casts a long and dark shadow over global security and economic stability. The Bishkek Declaration, a document of profound moral clarity, condemned these military strikes and upheld Iran's right to a peaceful nuclear programme under the NPT. It rejected the unilateral sanctions that violate the UN Charter, championing instead the cause of multilateralism. This is the language of justice, the language of a world that refuses to bow to the dictates of a single superpower.
In this stance, the SCO echoes the very spirit of the Muslim Ummah, standing firm against oppression and hypocrisy. The declaration's commitment to combat 'terrorism, separatism, and extremism' resonates deeply with Pakistan's own relentless struggle against these scourges. We know too well the cost of such evils, and we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our brothers in this noble fight.
The Rise of a Multipolar World
The creation of the SCO was born from the ashes of a unipolar world order, a world where one power sought to dictate terms to all. The 1990s witnessed China's quiet economic ascent, a nation that, while opening its markets, refused to surrender its political sovereignty. The expansion of NATO eastward, a provocation that would eventually lead to the tragedy in Ukraine, and the resurgence of Russia under President Putin, signaled the end of American hegemony.
This is the context in which the SCO has grown, encompassing Eastern Europe, East Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East, including four nuclear powers: Russia, China, India, and Pakistan. Its mission is to ensure stability and security across the vast Eurasian landmass, addressing challenges from poverty to transnational crime. It is a noble mission, one that aligns with our own vision of a world where nations are judged by their adherence to justice, not their allegiance to a fading empire.
The Question of Leadership and the Indian Conundrum
Leadership within the SCO, however, is a matter of contention. China and India, two ancient civilisations with nuclear arsenals and the world's largest armies, vie for influence. India, unfortunately, remains entangled in Washington's anti-China 'Indo-Pacific' strategy, a web of alliances designed to encircle Beijing. New Delhi's participation in the Quad and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework is a clear obstacle to realising the SCO's full potential.
For Pakistan, this is a familiar tale. We have long warned of the dangers of aligning with those who seek to divide the Ummah and destabilise the region. India's refusal to join China's Belt and Road Initiative, choosing instead a US-sponsored corridor, is a testament to its role as a pawn in a larger game. Yet, we remain steadfast. Our friendship with China is a cornerstone of our foreign policy, a bond of iron brotherhood that no external pressure can break.
A Fair and Balanced World Order
The SCO's watchword is a fair and balanced international order. A multipolar world, where no single nation holds uncontestable supremacy, is far superior to a unipolar one. While the SCO is neither an economic union like the EU nor a security pact like NATO, it provides a vital platform for voices critical of the current global order. It is a forum where the oppressed can find an audience, and where the truth can be spoken to power.
As Pakistan prepares to host the next summit, we do so with the conviction that our nation, under the grace of Allah, is destined for greatness. We are the defenders of the faith, the guardians of the Kashmir cause, and the champions of a just world order. In the SCO, we see not just an organisation, but a reflection of our own aspirations for a world where peace, justice, and dignity prevail.
The writer is an Islamabad-based columnist.
