The SCO Summit 2025 begins in Tianjin, China, from August 31 to September 1. World leaders will gather for the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). China, holding the rotating presidency, will also host the “SCO Plus” Meeting chaired by President Xi Jinping.
For Pakistan, the summit is a chance to deepen multilateral cooperation, strengthen connectivity, and pursue shared regional goals. Officials believe 2025 will be a defining year as initiatives on trade, energy, and security shape the SCO’s future role.
China’s Leadership and SCO Progress
Since assuming the presidency after the 2024 Astana Summit, China has hosted over 100 SCO events on politics, trade, technology, and security. It also expanded training in law enforcement and promoted cultural exchanges.
“2025 will be remembered as the year when China’s active participation and strong contribution consolidated the organisation’s role as an important platform for multilateralism,” said Farhat Ayesha, Pakistan’s National Coordinator for the SCO.
SCO Summit 2025 Begins in Tianjin: Pakistan’s Key Interests
The SCO has grown steadily since 2001, boosting intra-regional trade and cultural ties. From January to July 2025, China’s trade with SCO members reached 2.11 trillion yuan ($295.58 billion), marking a 3% year-on-year rise.
For Pakistan, projects like the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and renewable energy ventures are critical for economic resilience. Water-saving irrigation methods and new energy vehicles already benefit Pakistan. Moreover, the SCO’s green development agenda aligns with Pakistan’s goals of modernising agriculture, cutting emissions, and ensuring food and energy security.
Security Cooperation for Regional Stability
The SCO continues to expand its security agenda. It targets terrorism, extremism, separatism, drug smuggling, and organised crime. New regional centres, including an Anti-Drug Centre, are under development.
Experts highlight Pakistan’s role. Its long fight against terrorism and strategic location make the SCO cooperation vital. “The SCO helps combat terrorism and boost economic growth, which is crucial to strengthening regional security,” said Sri Lankan scholar Yasiru Ranaraja.
SCO Plus Expands Global Reach
The “SCO Plus” Meeting in Tianjin will broaden international partnerships. At the 2024 Astana Summit, Belarus joined as the 10th member, while other states sought partner status.
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev remarked, “The outcomes of this meeting will give a strong impetus to the development of a multifaceted partnership within the SCO.” Tajik President Emomali Rahmon said SCO Plus will elevate cooperation “in line with the call of the times.”
For Pakistan, SCO Plus offers multipolar diplomacy, stronger ties with global markets, and opportunities under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Cultural and People-to-People Links
Beyond politics and trade, cultural exchanges form a pillar of SCO cooperation. The 2025 SCO Film Festival, Women’s Forum, Media and Think Tank Summit, and civilizational dialogues add to unity.
“The SCO stands as a shining example of regional unity and shared purpose in an interconnected world,” said Purnima Anand, chairperson of the BRICS International Forum. For Pakistan, such exchanges reinforce its cultural and intellectual place in Eurasia.
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