Asia and its positive impact on Pakistan, China and Russia

Dr. Muhammad Ashraf Nizami

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 —

Regarding the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the emerging role of Asia, and its positive impact on Pakistan, China and Russia, I believe 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.

The SCO and the New Role of Asia

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.

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 Stability

China, Russia and Pakistan are the heirs of more than 6,000 years of civilization.

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, 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.

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 the SCO.

Positive Impact of SCO on Pakistan

The importance of SCO for Pakistan is evident in several aspects:

1- Security Cooperation

The SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) enhances Pakistan’s counter-terrorism capabilities. Joint exercises and information exchange strengthen national security.

2- Economic Opportunities

The SCO provides access to a vast market comprising almost half of the world’s population. New opportunities for trade, energy, and investment directly benefit Pakistan’s economy.

3- Increased Corridors and Connectivity

Pakistan is becoming a central hub of Asia’s trade map through Gwadar Port and the Belt and Road Initiative. Under SCO, Pakistan can further strengthen its connectivity with Central Asia.

4- Cultural and Educational Cooperation

In addition to the already deep ties with China and Russia, the SCO provides Pakistan with further opportunities for scientific cooperation, medical partnerships and cultural exchanges.

The Historical Silk Road — A Living Heritage

Esteemed Sirs,

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.

Thank you very much.

Dr. Muhammad Ashraf Nizami

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

Chairman, International Relations Pakistan Medical Association