Pakistan will be hosting the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, which will be held from the 15th to 16th of October. Several heads of government from member states will attend the summit. The SCO, founded in 2001, has evolved into a vital platform for fostering regional cooperation, addressing security concerns, and promoting economic collaboration among its member states.

In recent years, we have witnessed an astronomical increase in the phenomenon of multipolarity, which has given a boost to ‘regionalism’ and ‘regional organisations’. The ability of a regional organisation to transform the socio-economic conditions of its people has been best demonstrated by the undeniable success of the European Union, and the SCO can reap the same benefits if it manages to tap into the potential this region holds.

Since its initiation, the SCO has maintained its focus on issues of terrorism and regional security. This summit will be significant in addressing security concerns, particularly those emanating from Afghanistan. Pakistan has been at the forefront of the war against terrorism. The country has suffered immensely, both physically and financially, in its fight against this menace. It is crucial that Pakistan’s legitimate concerns are addressed, and that it is ensured that Afghan soil will not be used to launch terrorist attacks against Pakistan. The country’s future stability depends on it.

Against the backdrop of the ongoing crises in the Middle East, this SCO summit in Pakistan is of particular importance as it seeks to address pressing global........

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