As foreign leaders and delegations from around the world gather in Islamabad, the Pakistani government’s emphasis on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit is evident. Afghanistan lies at the heart of the SCO geography, and the organization’s success depends on finding a lasting solution there. Economically, the SCO could be as influential as BRICS in steering the world towards a more balanced global order. The SCO offers Pakistan a significant opportunity, and the vibrant atmosphere in Islamabad shows that the government understands this fully. It is hoped that the objectives of this summit are met, leading to Pakistan’s deeper integration with the Central Asian Muslim nations and the broader region surrounding the Central Asian steppe.
