Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied reports that Islamabad blocked Afghanistan’s bid for full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The clarification followed claims that one member state had stalled Kabul’s accession to the regional bloc. Moreover, the ministry said Pakistan had not initiated any such blockade.
Foreign Office Responds To Russian Claims
The SCO, founded in 2001, includes China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Belarus, and several Central Asian countries. Although Afghanistan currently holds observer status, it has sought full membership.
Last month, Russian envoy Zamir Kabulov said one unnamed SCO member had prevented Afghanistan’s membership. He noted that the organization requires unanimous approval for all major decisions.
Furthermore, Russia’s Izvestia newspaper cited government sources claiming Pakistan opposed Kabul’s membership because of security concerns. However, Pakistan’s Foreign Office rejected the allegation.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said he was unaware of any Pakistani effort to block Afghanistan’s application. He added that Afghanistan must establish diplomatic relations with SCO member states before becoming a full member.
Afghan Officials Maintain Pakistan Opposes Bid
Meanwhile, two senior Afghan Foreign Ministry officials reportedly insisted Pakistan remained the only country opposing Afghanistan’s membership. They claimed all other SCO members, including China and Russia, supported Kabul’s inclusion.
According to one official, the SCO secretary-general privately acknowledged that one member continued to object. The official also argued that regional engagement should include Afghanistan’s participation in existing organizations.
The dispute emerged as Pakistan and Russia held counterterrorism talks in Islamabad last month. During the meeting, both countries discussed terrorism originating from Afghanistan and its impact on regional security.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained strained since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Islamabad has repeatedly accused Kabul of allowing militants to launch attacks from Afghan territory.
However, the Afghan Taliban administration has consistently denied those allegations. Tensions have also triggered several military confrontations between the neighboring countries in recent months.
