Contents

SCO and Pakistan .............................................................................. 1

1. Introduction .................................................................................... 1
2. Establishment of SCO ...................................................................... 2
3. Objectives of SCO .......................................................................... 2
4. Achievements of SCO ...................................................................... 2
5) Challenges to SCO ........................................................................ 2
6) Pakistan and SCO ......................................................................... 3
7) Areas of interest between Pak and SCO ............................................ 3
8) What Pakistan can get from SCO ..................................................... 3
9) What Pakistan should do ................................................................ 3
10) Conclusion .................................................................................. 4

SCO and Pakistan

1. Introduction
SCO is an important security organization which is established to compete with
the growing US and NATO influence in the region. Its prime motive is to counter
the threats of terrorism and extremism in the region. This organization is vibrant
and has full potential to combat terrorism and other regional and international
threats. Currently, Pakistan has the status of observer state of SCO and is
expected to get its full-fledge membership very soon. As Pakistan is full of
natural resources and is also facing the problems of terrorism and extremism so
SCO platform can be very helpful for Pakistan to counter terrorism and to reap
full advantages of its resources.

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 2. Establishment of SCO
SCO is originated from S5 which was found in April 1996 by Russia with China
and Russia and three CARs (Kazikstan, Kirgistan, and Tajikstan) as its members.
In June 2001, Uzbikstan also joined and the name of S5 was changed to SCO
having six members.
Apart from this six members, four countries (Pakistan, India, Iran and Mangolia)
have observer status. Secretariat of SCO was established in Beijing.
3. Objectives of SCO
1. To eradicate terrorism and extremism from the region (the main objective)
2. To eliminate opium from the region
3. To promote mutual trade and cooperation among member countries
4. To develop mutual trust and respect among member states
5. To respect and protect sovereignty of members without any discrimination
6. To have non-military alliance unlike NATO
4. Achievements of SCO
1. It conducts joint security exercises among member states to counter terrorism
from region.
2. It promotes confidence building among member countries.
3. It contributes to enhance trade among member countries.
4. It established Regional Anti-Terrorism Center in 2004 to counter terrorism.
5. It promotes joint efforts of members to counter drug smuggling in the
region.
5) Challenges to SCO
1. To counter US influence in the region. (US has interest in resources of
CARs)
2. To move to bi-polar world from uni-polar world.
3. To prevent clash of interests between Russia and China
4. To give membership to observer states as Iran is following nuclear program.
Pakistan is facing terrorism. And India has conflicts with China.

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6) Pakistan and SCO
Currently, Pakistan is enjoying observer status of SCO and is desirous of getting
its full membership which it may get by 2015. Getting its membership will open
a new door of opportunities for Pakistan and the region. Also, various officials of
the member states have given their positive views regarding membership of
Pakistan.
7) Areas of interest between Pak and SCO
Following areas show convergence of interests between Pak and SCO. Both want
the followings:
1. Regional stability
2. Elimination of terrorism, extremism and drugs from the region
3. Economic prosperity
4. Peaceful coexistence
5. Non-interference in the matters of other member states
6. No use of force
7. No uni-lateralism (USA the only super power)
8. No regime change
8) What Pakistan can get from SCO
Pakistan can reap the following benefits by using the platform of SCO:
1. Materialization of energy products
2. Best utilization of its strategic location (ports and transit)
3. Promotion of trade and economic cooperation
4. Economic stability
5. Balance in foreign policy (no uni-centered policy)
6. Counter terrorism and drug smuggling
9) What Pakistan should do
1. It should pursue diplomacy vigorously to get membership.
2. It should build good relations with Russia and neighboring countries including
Afghanistan, China, Iran, India).
3. It should achieve political stability.
4. It should have good governance.
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10) Conclusion
SCO has the potential of becoming prosperous and developed grouping of Asian
nations and to contain hegemony, terrorism, extremism from the region. It can
also be helpful in reaping full advantages of natural resources. Pakistan, by
becoming the member of SCO, can reap full advantage of its strategic location
and natural resources. For this, Pakistan needs some pragmatic and result oriented
measures.

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