Pakistan-Russia Rapprochement and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

This article explores the auenues of cooperation between SCO members, prospects of working together, mutual issues of concern and the challenges they face in the working of the organization. The paper also investigates the importance of the Central Asian Republics for Russia, vice versa and the economic dependence they share. Special consideration is given to the prospects for Pakistan in joining the SCO and Russia 's critical role being one of its strategic partners and a key player in the functioning of the SCO, thus prouiding a bridge between the SCO and Pakistan. Further, the extent of implementation of the SCO Charter is also assessed, referring to its articles, to deduce the effectiveness of the functioning of the organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]