The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin has brought Pakistan a major diplomatic success. In a powerful joint statement, member countries strongly condemned recent terrorist attacks, including those in Pahalgam, Khuzdar, and on the Jaffar Express. For Pakistan, this is more than just words.
It is proof that the world is beginning to recognise the country as a victim of terrorism rather than a sponsor of it. The declaration, signed by all SCO leaders, called for accountability for the organisers and sponsors of these attacks and rejected the use of extremist groups for political purposes. This comes after months of tension with India, which blamed Pakistan for the April 22 Pahalgam attack without evidence, sparking a brief war.
Pakistan responded firmly through Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, demonstrating its resolve to defend its sovereignty. What makes this summit significant is that Pakistan’s position has gained international support.
The United States recently designated the India-backed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its Majeed Brigade faction as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO). This designation followed the BLA’s attack on the Jaffar Express in March, which claimed 31 lives and left over 300 passengers hostage. The decision marks a turning point, exposing India’s support for anti-Pakistan militancy.
The SCO’s declaration also stressed the importance of multilateral cooperation against terrorism financing and extremist ideology. Leaders praised the role of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in sharing intelligence and holding joint anti-terror drills, such as those conducted in Xinjiang last year. A new 2026-2030 programme to counter extremism was also adopted, focusing on stopping radicalisation and promoting stability across the region.
For Pakistan, this moment is a clear diplomatic win. Despite India’s refusal to sign a previous SCO defence statement over its grievances, this summit united members in condemning attacks within Pakistan’s borders. It shows that the world is now recognising the sacrifices Pakistan has made in fighting terrorism. *