Since assuming office, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government has demonstrated a consistent effort to enhance Pakistan’s global standing through strategic diplomacy and proactive engagement in multilateral organisations. The diplomatic successes under Sharif’s leadership extend far beyond hosting the 23rd Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Islamabad in October 2024, as his administration has skillfully navigated Pakistan’s relationships with major global powers while shaping a coherent strategic vision focused on regional connectivity and economic revival.
Hosting the SCO summit was a watershed moment for Pakistan’s diplomacy. The summit, which brought together heads of state from across Eurasia, allowed Pakistan to assert its leadership in regional security and connectivity. As chair of the SCO Council of Heads of Government, Shehbaz Sharif used the platform to advocate for enhanced regional trade, the development of infrastructure, and cooperative security measures. His emphasis on projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the expansion of the China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) reflected his strategic focus on positioning Pakistan as a central hub for Eurasian trade.

At the summit, Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the importance of regional stability, particularly in Afghanistan, which he described as crucial for realising economic potential in the region. His call for international humanitarian assistance and political inclusivity in Afghanistan aligned with China’s stance, reinforcing Pakistan’s role as a key player in determining the future of the war-torn country.
Prime Minister Sharif’s government has been proactive in advancing Pakistan’s economic and energy interests through diplomatic channels. His push for a SCO Development Bank and the use of national currencies in trade settlements underscored Pakistan’s ambition to reduce reliance on Western financial systems, particularly amidst ongoing Western sanctions on Russia and Iran. This shift towards alternative financial mechanisms will position Pakistan favourably within the evolving geopolitics of Eurasia.
Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang shares a light moment with his Pakistani counterpart Shehbaz Sharif, upon his arrival at the PM House. Islamabad. 14 October 2024One of the key challenges for Shehbaz Sharif’s government has been managing the complex geopolitical environment, particularly relations with India. Although the SCO summit did not lead to a breakthrough in Pakistan-India relations, it provided a platform for informal engagement between the two countries. Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s presence in Islamabad was seen as a potential “icebreaker,” despite no formal bilateral discussions. The symbolic significance of these interactions reflects Shehbaz Sharif’s pragmatic approach to diplomacy, focusing on long-term regional stability over short-term political gains.
Shehbaz Sharif’s government has also taken a principled stand on global humanitarian issues. His vocal support for the Palestinian cause at the SCO summit, where he condemned the ongoing genocide in Gaza, demonstrated Pakistan’s continued commitment to advocating for justice on the international stage. This aligns with Pakistan’s broader foreign policy goals of promoting peace and supporting oppressed nations, further strengthening its moral standing in global diplomacy.

Pakistan held bilateral consultations with important leaders who came to Islamabad to attend the SCO summit. The visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang was a crucial moment, marking the first visit by a Chinese leader in over a decade. In addition to multilateral engagements during the SCO summit, the Chinese delegation held detailed consultations with Pakistan’s leadership. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of BRI, which entered its second phase under Sharif’s government, was an important topic for discussion. By expanding infrastructure projects and focusing on industrial cooperation, the partnership aims to deepen economic ties at a critical juncture for Pakistan’s economy.
The main highlight of the SCO meeting was the visit of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who led a 76-member contingent of officials, journalists and business persons to participate in the summit. The large Russian delegation indicates its growing interest in Pakistan. Mishustin’s trip marked the first visit by a Russian premier since 2007, signalling a significant shift in Pakistan-Russia relations, which have gradually evolved from Cold War-era tensions to cooperation. The visit was preceded by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk’s visit to Pakistan in September and earlier Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meeting with President Vladimir Putin at the SCO Plus Summit in Astana held on 4 July 2024.

The bilateral discussions between Russia and Pakistan focused on trade, energy, and counterterrorism cooperation, with particular emphasis on joint energy projects and Pakistan’s potential role in Russian energy exports. Recent agreements include Russia’s commitment to supply discounted oil to Pakistan and the development of infrastructure for liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports. Russia’s growing interest in deepening ties with Pakistan reflects Islamabad’s successful strategy of diversifying its foreign partnerships amidst shifting global power dynamics.
Though not related to the SCO, another important event in October was the state visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, which strengthened economic cooperation between the two nations. Malaysia is an important Muslim country which has maintained a unique position in global politics. During his visit, Ibrahim engaged in high-level discussions that resulted in agreements on trade, agriculture, tourism, and technological exchanges. Particularly notable was the expansion of cooperation in the agricultural sector, as Malaysia committed to increasing imports from Pakistan. This visit demonstrates Pakistan’s focus on building stronger trade ties with an important country in Southeast Asia.
In parallel, Pakistan’s relations with Central Asian states have strengthened, driven by a shared interest in connectivity and economic collaboration. Countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan view Pakistan as a gateway to the Arabian Sea through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Sharif’s government has actively promoted the idea of integrating Central Asia into Pakistan’s economic framework, focusing on energy pipelines, trade routes, and digital connectivity. Bilateral meetings at the SCO summit underscored these ambitions with leaders from Kazakhstan and Tajikistan reaffirming their commitment to deeper economic ties with Pakistan. This regional cooperation is a cornerstone of Sharif’s broader strategic vision, positioning Pakistan as a key conduit for trade between Central Asia and the rest of the world.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government has navigated a challenging geopolitical landscape with a steady hand, achieving significant diplomatic successes that have strengthened Pakistan’s strategic position. By fostering deepened ties with global powers like China and Russia, and expanding regional connectivity through multilateral platforms like the SCO, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has laid the groundwork for Pakistan’s future as a critical player in Eurasian geopolitics. His strategic vision of promoting regional trade, securing energy cooperation, and advocating for regional peace reflects a forward-looking approach that seeks to balance Pakistan’s domestic needs with its role on the global stage.
Pull quote: The main highlight of the SCO was the visit of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who led a 76-member contingent of officials, journalists and business persons to participate in the summit. The large Russian delegation indicates its growing interest in Pakistan.
Pull quote: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government has navigated a challenging geopolitical landscape with a steady hand, achieving significant diplomatic successes that have strengthened Pakistan’s strategic position.