Dr. A.Z. Hilali (IR Expert): The high level participation of Pakistani delegation at SCO summit is a great diplomatic success for Pakistan as far as its foreign policy is concerned. The Prime Minister himself is attending the important summit of SCO as he held meetings with world leaders on the sideline of the summit. The participants developed a mutual consensus to curb the menace of terrorism from the region. During the meetings, it seems that the Prime Minister is achieving social and economic objectives. The Prime Minister called upon the member states of SCO and the international community to engage Afghanistan in order to bring peace and stability in the region. Moreover, the Prime Minister also talked about the barter trade with Russia and the Central Asian States. I am hopeful for the positive outcomes of the meeting of the Prime Minister with different world leaders as far as economy and trade is concerned.

Dr. Muhammad Khan (IR Expert): It is the 24th SCO summit being held in Astana and is of vital importance keeping in view the current geo-political situation in the country. Pakistan due to its geographical location remained an important stakeholder in the region and Pakistan is also an important member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. During his address to the summit the Prime Minister highlighted the principal stance of Pakistan on certain global issues. SCO is an important regional organization as overall 30% of the world’s GDP are the members of this important organization. There is a dire need to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the region with the support of the SCO countries. The interim government in Afghanistan is unable to control the militant organizations that have been using Afghan soil against the neighboring countries. Unfortunately, some elements are also supporting and financing these militant organizations in order to create a state of chaos and anarchy in the region. 

Analysts appreciate Pakistan’ active participation in SCO Summit at Astana