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Pakistan's attempt to alter its image as an abettor of Islamic extremism in Afghanistan seems to have backfired with the newly-established Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SC0) taking no decision on Islamabad's application for membership while admitting Uzbekistan.
"Pakistan's attempts to join SCO seems to have backfired with no unanimity within SCO on Islamabad's membership bid," a diplomatic source commented on the June 14-15 summit of SCO comprising China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in Shanghai.
"Some of SCO members seem to have questioned Islamabad's credentials to become fellow member since it aids and abets international terrorism and religious extremism," he said.
Diplomatic sources said even China, Pakistan's stauch ally, seems to have dithered in backing Islamabad's membership in SCO, a regional cooperative mechanism, which came out sharply against terrorist and religious fundamentalist forces in Central Asia.
"We welcome cooperation of any country willing to abide by the aims and principles of Shanghai Five and whose joining is of benefit to the healthy development of Shanghai Five," foreign ministry spokesman Sun Yuxi told PTI. "But, the precondition is that all members must reach unanimity through consultation (on the joining of any such country)," Sun said indicating China's changed stance in view of opposition to Pakistan's membership from countries like Russia.
The latest Chinese statement on Pakistan's bid is in shark contrast to the backing Islamabad received prior to Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji's official visit to Pakistan in May. Director general of Chinese foreign ministry Fu Ying had earlier said if Pakistan's membership issue came up formally before the Shanghai Five, China would support Islamabad's hid to join the group.
Diplomatic sources said all six members of SCO are seriously concerned about the threat of separatist violence, supported by Taliban in Afghanistan and militant groups in Pakistan.
Russia is fighting a bitter conflict
against rebels in Chechnya. In the past, Russia has asked Pakistan
not to send Islamic terrorists in Chechnya. Uzbekistan is also fighting
fundamentalist forces in the country.
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