Lahore : Dr Ashraf Nizami , an expert on international affairs with deep insight in Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and its prudent impact on Pakistan , China and Russia, delivered a thought-provoking address on SCO’s impact on three major players of Asia , China , Pakistan and Russia at a seminar held here a couple of days ago.
Dr Ashraf Nizami is President, Association of Pakistani Graduates Russia and CIS, Vice Chairman, Russian Center for Science, Education and Culture, Lahore, Chief Executive Officer, Honorary Consulate Russian Federation Lahore and Chairman, International Relations Pakistan Medical Association.
Dr Ashraf Nizami spoke his heart and mind candidly at the conference. He said
“I have just come to represent Pakistan at a conference of students from Asia who have graduated from Soviet and Russian educational institutions, organized by “Rosstrodnichestva” in Beijing, the capital of China, a few days ago, and today I have the honor to discuss a topic that is of fundamental importance for Eurasian cooperation and regional stability., And for me it is even more important and a source of pride that friends who have graduated from Soviet and Russian education are playing an important role in humanitarianism and development around the world —”. He noted that regarding the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the emerging role of Asia, and its positive impact on Pakistan, China and Russia, he believes that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is not just an official platform, but a living example of how ancient ties, common history and modern requirements combine to create a new structure of peace, connectivity and development. Today, the SCO is the world’s largest regional organization in terms of area and population, stretching from the Pacific coast to the Eurasian steppes. The region is rich in resources, potential, entrepreneurial power, and cultural diversity.
He argued that the 21st century has rightly been called the “Asian Century.” The SCO is a powerful driving force behind this new upsurge. Based on security cooperation, economic partnership, cultural coordination, and people-to-people exchanges, the organization has provided Asian countries with a platform where they can jointly find solutions to common problems and leverage their collective capabilities.
According to Dr Ashraf Nizami the organization has become a source of stability for Asia in times of instability. Dialogue in an atmosphere of mutual trust on issues such as terrorism, extremism, cyber security, and cross-border crime is one of the SCO’s greatest achievements. It is also promoting trade, investment, infrastructure, and cultural ties.
China, Russia and Pakistan — Pillars of StabilityChina, Russia and Pakistan are the heirs of more than 6,000 years of civilization.
He added that China, a founding member of the SCO, has always adhered to the principles of openness, connectivity and mutual benefit. China’s Belt and Road Initiative is in line with the goals of the SCO and is creating new corridors and opportunities for development. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a prime example of how when countries work with a shared vision, the entire region prospers. I wholeheartedly endorse the views of Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to which no country, no nation can develop alone, but all nations must work together in harmony and solidarity for development and fundamental rights. This collective thinking is the only way to peace and development in the modern era.
Russia, he maintained , the other founding member, provides the organization with strategic depth, energy resources, scientific expertise and extensive experience in Eurasian diplomacy. Russia’s role in regional security, especially in counter-terrorism, is a fundamental element of the SCO’s strength.
He asserted that Pakistan, which became a full member in 2017, serves as a natural bridge between South Asia, Central Asia, and China. Its geographical importance, young population, growing infrastructure, and commitment to regional cooperation have made Pakistan an active and effective part of SCO.
Mr Nizami gave a detailed disruption on Silk Road and its importance for Asia. The following is the crux of his indepth views on the Silk Road.
The Historical Silk Road — A Living Heritage.
The vision of the SCO is not a new concept — it is a modern revival of the ancient Silk Road.
For thousands of years, the Silk Road connected the civilizations of China, Central Asia, Pakistan, Persia and Russia. Not only silk and spices traveled along this route, but also knowledge, philosophy, medicine, arts and religions.
Pakistan, China and Russia are the natural heirs of this historical chain. Taxila, Kashgar, Samarkand, Tashkent and the banks of the Volga were great centers of knowledge and trade. The Silk Road was the first major global connectivity of humanity.
Today, thanks to the SCO, a new Silk Road is being built — through railway lines, corridors, digital connections, scientific cooperation and tourism projects. It is a modern network of connections for the 21st century.
A shared vision of the future
The SCO has proven that cooperation does not require uniformity, but respect, equality and shared goals. Pakistan, China and Russia have shown the world that great nations can change the destiny of regions through partnership.
Moving forward, three key priorities emerge for the SCO:
1- Expanding economic integration
A comprehensive SCO Economic Corridor could connect South and Central Asia in the future through energy, technology and trade.
2- Promoting cultural and public diplomacy
Educational exchanges, tourism and joint historical projects can bring nations closer together.
3- Cooperation in health and medicine
Joint initiatives in health, medical training, telemedicine and traditional medicine are of great importance after the global pandemic. In particular, the hybrid system of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and modern sciences can establish a new struggle.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The SCO is not just an institution—it is a shared dream that envisions a peaceful, prosperous and interconnected Eurasia. Pakistan, China and Russia—the heirs of the great history of the Silk Road—are today laying the foundation for a new future. A future based on cooperation, peace and common development.
Let us, on this journey, salute the wisdom of the past, accept the demands of the present and create bright paths for future generations