Islamabad, October 12,2024-The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit is set to take place in Islamabad from October 15-16, 2024, with high-level officials from eight member states attending. Founded in 2001, the SCO is a regional organization aimed at fostering political, economic, and security cooperation. It was originally established by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Over time, its membership expanded, with India and Pakistan joining as full members in 2017, bringing the total to eight. In 2023, Iran also became a permanent member.
The SCO convenes annually, with its current members including China, Russia, Pakistan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran. Additionally, several observer nations and partners participate in the organization’s activities.
The last high-profile visit from India to Pakistan took place in 2015, when then-External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj visited Islamabad for the Heart of Asia Conference on Afghanistan. During her visit, she met with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz.
This year, the Prime Ministers of two major global powers, Russia and China, will be in Pakistan for the SCO summit. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin will arrive in Islamabad on October 14, accompanied by a delegation and a group of Russian journalists. During his visit, he is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other senior officials. A formal dinner will also be hosted in his honor.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang will also arrive on October 14 for a three-day visit. The first part of his visit will involve bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and key political leaders, with meetings expected to cover topics such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), security for Chinese nationals, and new development projects. Premier Li will also meet with Pakistan’s military leadership. The second part of his visit, on October 15-16, will focus on multilateral engagements as he represents China at the SCO summit.
This marks the first visit by a Chinese Premier to Pakistan in 11 years, and several agreements between the two countries are expected to be signed. Throughout the summit, delegates from SCO member nations will also meet with Pakistan’s political and military leadership to discuss various regional issues.
