SCO for countering terrorism

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while presiding over a conclave of Defence Ministers from Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member nations, called for collective efforts to eradicate terrorism in all its forms and hold its supporters accountable, indirectly referring to Pakistan. Singh emphasised the need for a robust framework of regional cooperation that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states and maintains peace and security based on the UN charter. The Defence Minister also highlighted that the radicalization of youth is a major obstacle to socio-economic progress and that the top priority of the SCO should be effectively dealing with terrorism to strengthen its credibility. All member countries, except Pakistan, attended the meeting in person, and India hosted the meeting as the chair of the grouping.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation plays a significant role in Asia as an influential economic and security bloc. Its member states, which include China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, represent over 40 percent of the world’s population and cover an area of almost 30 million square kilometres.
The SCO’s primary objectives include promoting regional security, combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism, and enhancing economic and cultural cooperation among member states. It also aims to foster political and diplomatic dialogue, support mutual interests and concerns, and maintain regional stability and development.
The SCO has established mechanisms to address terrorism, such as the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), which aims to enhance intelligence-sharing among member states and combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism in the region.
Through these mechanisms, the SCO can engage with Pakistan to address terrorism-related issues and encourage it to take concrete steps to combat terrorism effectively. However, it is important to note that the SCO operates on the principle of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the SCO in influencing Pakistan on terrorism would depend on Pakistan’s willingness to cooperate and take action against terrorist groups operating from its soil.
Pakistan has been facing increasing international pressure and criticism for its alleged role in supporting and harbouring terrorist groups on its soil. This has led to Pakistan getting cornered on the terrorism issue in several ways. Pakistan has been facing increasing international pressure to take action against terrorist groups operating on its soil. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an inter governmental organisation that combats money laundering and terrorism financing, had also put Pakistan on its grey list in the past due to its failure to take action against terrorist financing. Pakistan’s alleged role in supporting and harbouring terrorist groups has led to its growing isolation in the international community. Several countries have downgraded their diplomatic relations with Pakistan, and its efforts to seek support from its traditional allies have also been limited.
The SCO has been instrumental in promoting peace, stability, and development in Asia. Pakistan has been exposed and is facing isolation in the international community, increasing scrutiny of its activities, and greater pressure to take action against terrorism.
Given the increasing international pressure and scrutiny and its collapsing economy, Pakistan has no choice except to take steps to counter-terrorism.