Pakistan’s Strategic Shift At The SCO: Silence On Kashmir – OpEd
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting in Islamabad by urging international focus on the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. While this emphasis aligns with Pakistan’s broader foreign policy objectives, the absence of any reference to Kashmir a deeply rooted and sensitive issue for Pakistan was particularly striking. This omission marks a notable shift in Pakistan’sdiplomatic discourse, especially on an international platform where Kashmir has traditionally been a focal point of Pakistan’s stance.
Kashmir has long held a unique place in Pakistan’s political and territorial aspirations, often described by Pakistani leaders as the country’s “jugular vein” or “Shah Rag.” This phrase, famously coined by Pakistan’s founding leader, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, underscores the deep- seated emotional and geopolitical significance of Kashmir to Pakistan. Since gaining independence in 1947, Pakistan has engaged in numerous diplomatic and military confrontations with India over this contested region. Thus, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s decision not to bring up Kashmir at the SCO meeting raises questions about the current administration’s stance. Has Pakistan reconsidered the primacy of Kashmir in its foreign policy, or was this a calculated, tactical choice to align with a new set of international priorities?
Pakistan has, in recent years, held firm in its position that meaningful dialogue with India cannot resume unless India reverses its decision of August 5, 2019, to abrogate Articles 370 and 35A, which conferred a special status on the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This move by India to integrate the region more directly under its federal structure, dividing it into two Union Territories, was seen by Pakistan as an attempt to unilaterally alter the demographics and political status of the disputed territory. This unilateral action remains a point of contention between the two nations, with Pakistan viewing it as a violation of prior agreements and international norms. Historically, Pakistan has consistently raised Kashmir in nearly every significant diplomatic setting, making it a central element of its foreign policy agenda.
However, the recent SCO meeting presented a different narrative. Prime Minister Sharif’s choice to prioritize global issues, such as the Israel-Gaza conflict, over Kashmir may suggest a recalibration of Pakistan’s foreign policy focus. By sidestepping Kashmir, the Pakistani Prime Minister emphasized a collaborative approach, calling on member states to prioritize cooperation over divisive political issues. As he handed over the SCO chairmanship to Russia at the Jinnah Convention Centre, his decision to omit Kashmir was particularly notable, as this forum has previously served as a platform for Pakistan to underscore its stance on the dispute with India.
This pivot in Pakistan’s rhetoric may be a reflection of shifting priorities or a strategic approach to avoid escalating tensions with India at an international forum. Both nations have exercised caution in their recent remarks at the SCO meeting, refraining from directly addressing each other on sensitive issues. By adopting a more restrained tone, Pakistan may be signalling a readiness to adopt a broader, more pragmatic approach in its foreign policy, focusing on global and regional stability.
Nevertheless, this silence on Kashmir is likely to attract criticism from political opponents within Pakistan, who may view it as a deviation from Pakistan’s core national interests. The
Kashmir issue remains deeply ingrained in Pakistan’s domestic political landscape, and any shift in its handling can stir significant public and political debate. Only a few weeks prior, Prime Minister Sharif had delivered a strong message at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, warning India against any actions that might provoke a “decisive response” from Pakistan. “Let me state in no uncertain terms that Pakistan will respond most decisively to any Indian negation,” he stated on September 27.
This sharp contrast in rhetoric between the UNGA session and the SCO meeting may reveal a nuanced approach, where Pakistan is adapting its messaging based on the audience and the nature of the forum. The SCO, primarily an economic and security-focused body, may not have been viewed as the ideal platform to address such a politically charged and bilateral issue as Kashmir. This decision to focus instead on broader international crises, such as the Israel-Gaza conflict, aligns with Pakistan’s recent efforts to position itself as a responsible, globally engaged actor on the world stage.
If indeed Pakistan is opting for a recalibration, prioritizing immediate global concerns over entrenched regional issues, this move may signal a pragmatic shift in its foreign policy. The government may be adopting a more versatile strategy, aligning with global issues to foster international support and build coalitions, while carefully managing its bilateral tensions with India. This approach could enable Pakistan to engage constructively with diverse international partners and redirect attention to urgent humanitarian crises, thereby expanding its diplomatic influence and reinforcing its position as a collaborative member of the international community.
However, this shift, if permanent, may face domestic challenges, as the Kashmir issue remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s political narrative. The absence of any mention of Kashmir at the SCO meeting does not imply a complete departure from Pakistan’s stance on the issue, but it does open the door to a potentially more nuanced and strategically adaptive foreign policy. By carefully balancing its priorities, Pakistan might be exploring a new diplomatic path, emphasizing regional stability and cooperation, while continuing to advocate for its interests in forums better suited for complex bilateral disputes.