Abstract
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is an important regional security organization consisting of Russia, China and the four central Asian countries — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. It was initially established in 2001. Its ultimate objective was to compete with the growing influence of the United States (US) and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) forces in the region. Its prime concern is the growing threats of terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Pakistan, which is currently an observer State, cannot remain aloof from such an important organization. Pakistan desires to acquire its full membership so that it can actively participate in the group’s activities in the region. The policies and programmes of the SCO are in consonance with Pakistan's long-term objectives. Pakistan not only contributes to the preservation of peace and stability in the region, but more specifically, also to the development of the transport and energy corridor which will be helpful towards this end. More significantly, under the banner of SCO, Pakistan can improve its relations with Russia, China, and Central Asia, India, Iran, and Afghanistan.

Dr. Zahid Ali Khan. (2013) Pakistan And Shanghai Cooperation Organization, IPRI Journal, Volume-13, Issue-1.
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