Pakistan prepares to host high-profile SCO summit amid domestic turmoil

Pakistan has set to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government on October 15-16, a major diplomatic event that will bring together regional leaders, including high-profile figures from China and Russia. However, as Islamabad prepares for this pivotal summit, escalating political unrest and security challenges threaten to overshadow the event, putting Pakistan’s role in regional cooperation and diplomacy to the test.

A key highlight of the summit is the expected attendance of India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, marking the first visit by an Indian official of this rank to Pakistan in nearly a decade. His participation signals a pragmatic shift in India’s approach, acknowledging the importance of engaging with Pakistan at critical forums despite ongoing bilateral tensions.

“The decision for India to send its foreign minister reflects a nuanced approach,” noted one observer, hinting at a potential thaw in relations. Reports also suggest that the summit could pave the way for a track-two dialogue between the two nations later this year.

China’s involvement in the summit, with its prime minister expected to attend, adds another layer of significance. High-level talks are likely to focus on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with both countries poised to launch the second phase of this ambitious project. Critical agreements related to CPEC are anticipated, strengthening Pakistan’s economic ties with its key regional ally.

Yet, amid the international diplomacy, Pakistan’s domestic challenges cast a shadow over the summit. Political unrest has surged in recent weeks, with supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party staging large protests in Islamabad. They demand Khan’s release from prison and the rollback of controversial constitutional amendments. The timing of these protests, just ahead of the SCO summit, has led many to speculate that PTI is leveraging the high-profile event to amplify its political agenda.

The situation escalated when clashes between PTI supporters and law enforcement disrupted key areas designated for diplomatic activities. Government officials have accused PTI of attempting to “undermine” the SCO summit, with concerns that these protests could overshadow Pakistan’s efforts to showcase its regional leadership.

Security concerns have also intensified following a recent suicide bombing in Karachi, which killed two Chinese nationals. The attack, near the airport and targeting a convoy of foreign delegates, has raised alarms about Pakistan’s ability to ensure the safety of high-profile visitors. The incident has rattled diplomatic circles, particularly China, and threatens to strain relations at a time when Pakistan is keen to project stability.

Amid these challenges, Afghanistan’s Taliban regime has weighed in, expressing concern over Pakistan’s domestic unrest. “We are closely monitoring the situation in Pakistan and hope that the Pakistani government and influential entities will deal reasonably and realistically with the growing discontent,” said Kabul in an unusual statement, reflecting broader regional anxieties over Pakistan’s political volatility.

For Pakistan, the SCO summit stands as both an opportunity and a test. The presence of leaders from Russia, China, and other Eurasian nations offers Islamabad a platform to solidify its standing in regional geopolitics. However, the internal discord and security threats could undermine its ability to fully capitalize on this moment.

As the summit approaches, the stakes are high. Pakistan must navigate its political turbulence carefully, ensuring that domestic issues do not overshadow its diplomatic objectives. With the eyes of the region on Islamabad, the summit’s success could shape Pakistan’s foreign policy trajectory for years to come.