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       WITH a focus on multilateralism and Eurasian connectivity, the two-day SCO Heads of Government summit wrapped up successfully in Islamabad yesterday.

       The prime ministers of China and Russia attended, as well as top leaders and officials from other member states, and observers. The meeting sent the much-needed message that Pakistan was once again open for business and ready to play a central role in multilateral bodies. The major themes of the event, as summed up in the summit’s joint communiqué, covered a range of topics, including commerce, the environment, cultural exchanges, etc.

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       Significantly, the document reaffirmed efforts to set up the SCO Development Bank and increase “the share of national currencies in mutual settlements”. The document also observed that the “unilateral application of sanctions is incompatible” with international law. All these appear to be barely disguised jabs at the West, which has weaponised sanctions and the dollar against geopolitical foes such as Russia and Iran, both SCO members. Additionally, the statement emphasised the preservation of “traditional values and cultural and civilisational diversity”.

       For his part, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted climate change as an “existential crisis”, while discussing the need for stability in Afghanistan, which, although an SCO member, has not been participating in the group’s meetings since the 2021 Taliban takeover. Mr Sharif also observed that the “ongoing genocide in Gaza” could not be ignored.

       While hosting such multilateral events is routine for states, considering Pakistan’s peculiar challenges over the last few years — particularly security issues, financial troubles, and internal political tumult — organising the moot and ensuring the security of such a large number of foreign dignitaries was no mean feat. Fellow SCO states also recognised Pakistan’s efforts, while observing in the joint communiqué that the summit was held in a “constructive and friendly atmosphere”.

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       From hereon, it will take time and much effort to translate the SCO vision, particularly concerning a common bank, currency swaps, seamless regional connectivity, etc, into reality. After all, the bureaucracies of all 10 states, with varying systems of government, have to be on board and work towards these common goals, which is a considerable challenge. But while the objectives may be difficult to achieve, they are not impossible. From Pakistan’s perspective, regional connectivity with its Eurasian neighbours is essential for economic growth. The country cannot remain isolated in the region.

       At a time when there is increased fragmentation in the world, and several conflicts are smouldering across continents, platforms like the SCO present an opportunity for states to set aside narrow differences and come together to pursue common goals for the benefit of their people. Rather than negatively viewing this as a revival of ‘bloc politics’, as some may do, a more optimistic view is required.

       Published in Dawn, October 17th, 2024