The SCO must turn words into action

September 16, 2026

The 46th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO-RATS) Council in Pakistan has come at an important time. With tensions rising between the United States and Iran, the region cannot afford another major conflict. The joint position of SCO members, including Pakistan, China, Russia and India, against military attacks on Iran is significant. At a time when relations between Pakistan and India remain difficult, their common position on Iran shows that diplomacy can still create space for cooperation. The SCO should build on this opportunity. Military action is rarely a solution to regional problems. It creates more instability, increases human suffering and can have consequences far beyond the countries directly involved. Any major conflict around Iran could also threaten energy supplies and push up oil prices across the world. Countries such as Pakistan, which already face serious economic pressures, would be among those badly affected.

The council’s support for Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is therefore welcome. Its call for diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions should not remain a routine statement issued after a meeting. The SCO must now work actively to promote dialogue among the parties. Pakistan, as the host and chair of the meeting, has an important role to play. Islamabad should use its diplomatic relations with major powers and regional countries to support peaceful solutions. Pakistan has repeatedly said that it does not want another war in the region. Its policy should remain focused on dialogue, restraint and regional stability.

The SCO also needs to strengthen its own role. Its work against terrorism, separatism and extremism is important, but regional security cannot be separated from political and military tensions. The participation of India, Iran, China, Russia and other member states provides the SCO with a valuable platform. Pakistan should use this platform to encourage greater regional cooperation. Words of concern are not enough. The SCO must turn its collective position into practical diplomacy before the situation becomes another prolonged regional war.