Bishkek: Pakistan is positioned as a significant mediator on the global stage and is preparing to assume the leadership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Dr. Munawar Hussain, a foreign affairs expert, highlighted the pivotal nature of the recent SCO summit held in Bishkek. He noted the summit’s importance amid the global shift towards multipolarity and the evolving economic, security, and political dynamics in the Middle East.
Dr. Hussain emphasized the critical agenda items of the summit, which included promoting multipolarity, countering terrorism, and enhancing regional connectivity to bolster economic prosperity and trade. He pointed to the East-West and North-South connectivity initiatives led by China and Russia, respectively, and underscored the potential cooperation between Pakistan and Central Asian nations, such as Azerbaijan, in these projects.
In discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Pakistan’s Prime Minister explored the development of a railroad linking Pakistan with Central Asian countries. This is in line with Pakistan’s recent milestone of reaching Tajikistan via Iran with its first consignment. Additionally, Pakistan’s cooperative relationship with Azerbaijan remains strong.
Dr. Hussain also noted that Pakistan is set to assume the SCO presidency, highlighting the country’s elevated political and diplomatic stature following a four-day conflict with India in May 2025. Pakistan’s role as a mediator between the United States, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia, along with the Mecca defense pact with Trkiye and Saudi Arabia, further cements its position as a robust facilitator in international and regional politics.
He particularly mentioned the strong relations between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as well as Field Marshal Syed Asim. Dr. Hussain expressed confidence in Pakistan’s capability to lead the SCO, an organization representing the Global South and focused on resolving regional issues through a collective regional approach.