The SCO Summit signifies a momentous stride ahead, albeit concomitant with a plethora of prospective opportunities and challenges.
The Shanghai Conference holds paramount significance for Pakistan on numerous fronts.
Pakistan does not dwell in isolation; rather, it stands of extraordinary importance, a force not to be dismissed. We witness a transformation, as India, once reluctant to even consider sending its cricket team to Pakistan, now extends the hand of diplomacy through the visit of its foreign minister. This visit marks the first by an Indian foreign minister in nearly a decade. It signifies the burgeoning recognition of Pakistan’s pivotal role in regional and global politics. The esteemed visits of heads of state and government from significant regional powers to Pakistan serve as a testament to the acknowledgment of Pakistan’s central position in regional politics.
Amidst the conference, the spotlight has been cast upon the pivotal aspect of Pakistan’s economic stability. With major regional players gearing up for economic realignments, Pakistan finds itself in a position of strategic significance. In the lead-up to the conference, Pakistan has forged significant agreements with Saudi Arabia, further solidifying its economic standing. It is anticipated that this conference will pave the way for a myriad of economic opportunities, thereby bolstering Pakistan’s economic landscape.
This gathering serves as a resounding declaration to the terrorist factions within Pakistan and their patrons abroad that their endeavors are futile. The benevolent nations allied with Pakistan unequivocally affirm their unwavering belief in Pakistan’s diplomatic, administrative, and economic prowess, standing in solidarity with it. Together, these nations unite in their pursuit of peace and security within the region.
An imperative highlight of the Shanghai Conference is the profound diplomatic ties Pakistan maintains with the nations it holds in high regard – China and Russia. This becomes particularly significant as new regional dynamics unfold at the grassroots level within the evolving global landscape.
The Eurasian bloc is widely regarded as a potential alternative to the Western bloc, represented by NATO. Nonetheless, the unfolding of future events will determine its true trajectory—an aspect of utmost significance that cannot be disregarded. This influential facet of regional politics has commanded such attention that even a nation as belligerent as India has found itself unable to overlook it.
The current landscape in Pakistan presents two significant challenges.
The first is India as it could pose the initial obstacle. The Shanghai Forum resembles the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). India’s influence has notably hindered the progress of SAARC, turning it into a casualty of regional politics. Consequently, SAARC has struggled to fulfill its intended objectives. India now holds membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, raising concerns that it may exploit this platform to advance its regional political agenda. Presently aligned with the Western bloc, India could potentially align itself with Western endeavors to counter China, thereby compounding the existing issues with Pakistan and thwarting its success.
The second one is the troubling curve of our domestic political contour. On this particular occasion, the protest at D-Chowk by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf raises a significant question. The query at hand is whether PTI’s decision is intricately linked to Pakistan’s domestic politics or if it has broader implications in the realm of international politics. Who, one might ponder, is the mastermind behind the strategic formulation of its policies? Is it mere happenstance that whenever a distinguished visitor is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan, the PTI issues a call for protest?
Whether the PTI wishes to leverage this opportunity to seek relief from the government or aims to convey a message to the Western powers that it stands ready to be an ally in countering this Eurasian thwack, the significance of this deliberation amplifies. This holds particularly true in light of the recent unprecedented resolution passed by the US Congress in support of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.
Amid the ebb and flow of politics, it’s crucial for every political party to refrain from resorting to extreme measures. Let’s strive for a more constructive and balanced approach to steer Pakistan towards prosperity.
