The recent hosting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of Government (CHG) Summit in Islamabad was more than just a routine diplomatic affair. It was a carefully curated statement of intent from Pakistan—a clear message that despite ongoing regional tensions and internal challenges, Islamabad is ready to take a leadership role in shaping South Asia’s future. For a country often overshadowed by geopolitical rivalries and security issues, pulling off such a high-profile event signals that Pakistan remains a key player in the region’s multilateral forums.
This summit was a reminder that Pakistan, despite its difficulties, is indispensable to any serious conversation about regional connectivity, security, and economic cooperation. The SCO, after all, is not just another diplomatic gathering; it is a platform that brings together regional heavyweights to discuss shared challenges—everything from counterterrorism and economic integration to energy security and climate change. At a time when the global order is experiencing seismic shifts, Pakistan’s ability to host this summit positions it as a responsible actor in the region.
What made this particular SCO summit even more significant was the participation of India, represented by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. Let’s be honest: relations between India and Pakistan have been frozen for years, and the chances of a formal breakthrough are slim. Yet, in the realm of diplomacy, optics matter. Even if no direct engagement took place between Pakistani and Indian officials, the fact that both countries participated in the same forum is significant. It signals that despite their animosities, both sides acknowledge the importance of engaging in multilateral spaces.
The strained relations between Islamabad and New Delhi are nothing new. Kashmir continues to cast a long shadow over any potential rapprochement, and both sides remain deeply entrenched in their respective positions. But here’s the thing: both India and Pakistan share more than just a hostile border. Their futures, whether they like it or not, are interconnected. Whether it’s tackling regional security challenges, addressing water disputes, or pushing for economic cooperation, neither can afford to ignore the other indefinitely.
This brings us to the concept of Track-II diplomacy—unofficial, back-channel efforts to foster dialogue when official talks are either non-existent or deadlocked. In the context of India and Pakistan, Track-II diplomacy has often been the only viable route to keep communication alive. While it won’t resolve deep-seated issues like Kashmir overnight, it has historically provided a space for creative thinking, away from the pressures of formal diplomacy. When tensions rise, as they often do between these two nuclear-armed neighbors, Track-II efforts act as a stabilizing force, keeping the door to dialogue slightly ajar.
Track-II diplomacy isn’t new to South Asia. In the 1990s, when official channels of communication between India and Pakistan had broken down, it was these unofficial dialogues that laid the groundwork for later, more formal talks. Academics, retired officials, and civil society actors have played pivotal roles in bringing both sides to the table, even when political relations were at their lowest ebb. While such efforts often go unnoticed by the broader public, they’ve proven crucial in ensuring that dialogue, in some form, continues.
Yet, let’s not be overly optimistic. The core issues remain unresolved. Kashmir continues to be a festering wound, and recurring security incidents only serve to derail any real progress. Even when Track-II diplomacy has had some success in fostering dialogue, the gains have often been wiped out by political or military setbacks. And while unofficial talks can keep lines of communication open, they’re no substitute for formal engagement. But given the current state of bilateral relations, they’re the best option on the table.
India’s participation in the SCO Summit, therefore, must be seen as an opening, albeit a small one. By attending, India signaled that it values the importance of regional cooperation—even if it’s not yet ready to re-engage Pakistan bilaterally. This is where Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts can—and should—come into play. Islamabad should use this moment to quietly advocate for more unofficial dialogue, particularly through Track-II channels. While official talks remain a distant prospect, Track-II diplomacy offers a way to keep discussions going, to explore creative solutions, and, perhaps most importantly, to keep both sides talking.
For Pakistan, this is an opportunity to demonstrate that it is willing to engage constructively, even if formal channels remain closed. By championing Track-II diplomacy, Pakistan can position itself as a responsible actor, committed to dialogue and regional stability. This approach aligns with the broader goals of the SCO, which seeks to promote peace and development through collective efforts. The SCO provides the perfect backdrop for Pakistan to advocate for such an approach, emphasizing the need for continuous dialogue—whether through official or unofficial means.
This summit also highlights a critical reality: regional challenges like terrorism, climate change, and economic instability require cooperation, not isolation. Pakistan and India face common threats, and their inability to cooperate only weakens both nations in the long run. Whether it’s through the SCO, Track-II diplomacy, or other multilateral platforms, both countries must recognize that their security and prosperity are interlinked. Regional peace is not just a lofty ideal—it’s a necessity for both Pakistan and India.
In the end, the 2024 SCO Summit wasn’t just a diplomatic victory for Pakistan—it was a reminder of the critical role that regional forums play in bridging divides. While India and Pakistan may not be ready for formal talks, this summit created a space for interaction, however limited it may have been. Going forward, Islamabad must seize the opportunity to push for Track-II dialogue, to keep the lines of communication open, and to continue advocating for a peaceful resolution to the region’s most intractable disputes.
Pakistan’s hosting of the summit wasn’t just a win for Islamabad—it was a win for regional diplomacy. The ball is now in India’s court, but the broader message is clear: meaningful dialogue, whether official or unofficial, remains the only way forward for the two nations. Track-II diplomacy offers a practical path, one that can help lay the groundwork for future engagement. For the sake of both countries, and for the region, it’s a path worth pursuing