PESHAWAR: The geo-political and strategic importance of Pakistan would be enhanced with inclusion in Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as a full member. The country will now be better equipped to protect its interests in regional and international levels.
The experts in international relations, Pakistan affairs and economics of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday lauded the efforts of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif in achieving full membership status to Pakistan in SCO and termed it a landmark achievement of his government on diplomatic and political fronts.
Islamia College University (ICU) Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr Naushad Khan told APP that joining of SCO as a full member was a historic day in the diplomatic history of Pakistan and the Prime Minister deserved full credit for achieving this landmark milestone.
“SCO will give Pakistan a powerful platform to promote its economy, business and trade services besides immensely helping to raise our view points on regional and international issues and increase the diplomatic influence of Islamabad”, he said, adding that Pakistan will now be better equipped to deal with a multitude of issues.
Dr Naushad said the expansion of SCO has taken place at a time when China’s ‘One Belt, One Road’ (OBOR) initiative has transformed the global economic landscape and more states were intending to join the multi-faceted CPEC, a major component of OBOR.
“Pakistan inclusion in the organisation as a full member has passed a strong message to all that Islamabad can’t be isolated and its important role for economic progress and global peace can’t be overlooked.”
He said Pakistan would soon be at the centre stage of massive trade and business activities and emerge as an economic leader in the region due to CPEC.
Dr Naushad said around 65 countries have shown a keen interest in becoming a part of CPEC to make their trade and business through Gawadar Port, a gateway to directly benefit people of Balochistan, KP, Punjab, Sindh, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Assistant Professor Muhammad Naeem of Economic Department at the University of Peshawar, said the inclusion of Pakistan in SCO as a full member was a big diplomatic achievement of the elected government that would help promote business and economic activities in our country. He said the status of full membership came at the significant time because of the political scenario around the world especially in the region.
