Expansion of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO): Implications for Pakistan

Abstract

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a Eurasian political, economic and security grouping
aimed to promote regional peace. In 2017, SCO was expanded and membership was granted to
Pakistan and India. Growing status of China, expansion of SCO and its relations with Pakistan has
definite implications for Pakistan. The article seeks to analyze the various economic and strategic
advantages that Pakistan can achieve through SCO. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CEPC) also
provides great opportunity to the SCO member states to get fruitful advantages from it. The study
employs a qualitative research and descriptive method. The study finds out that SCO is gradually
becoming an important organization and more so after the inclusion of two nuclear powers of
South Asia, Pakistan and India. Full membership of SCO provides enabling environment to Pakistan
to enhance its economic and strategic ties with other member states but at the same time, the other
member states would also get advantage from Pakistan’s geographic location for regional
connectivity to enhance economic and trade activities.