SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANIZATION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION: A COMPARATIVE STUDY FOR PAKISTAN AND INDIA BILATERAL RELATIONS

Abstract

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as a regional organization is
gaining importance as the Asian region is integrating with converging interests of two major
powers, China and Russia in the contemporary setting. These two major powers can create
diplomatic readiness in the regional environment for both the countries and can play a
constructive role in the conflict resolution between Pakistan and India. The organization is a
result of the successful mechanism for dispute resolution among the primary members that
gives its mandate and forming history, an operational example for both hostile countries in
aspects such as lowering border tensions and confidence building. This can be achieved
through its various bilateral channels which would increase contact forums, leading to track
one as well as track two diplomacy and dialogue between both countries with the support of
other SCO members. The prospects of border dispute resolution are high as SCO has played a
positive role in reducing tensions, settling border disputes, maintaining stability and
developing cooperation between member states in the past. Efforts for lowering of tensions
and regional harmony in South Asia, facilitated by SCO, would truly make this century the
‘Asian Century’. The article is an attempt to highlight the role of SCO in resolving conflict
between India and Pakistan.