Fm says Pakistan must pursue a practical and forward-looking agenda aimed at strengthening economic cooperation
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan will take over the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s (SCO) Council of Heads of State (CHS) in September, marking a significant diplomatic milestone for Islamabad, which is also set to host the bloc’s next leaders’ summit the following year.
On the occasion of the SCO’s 25th anniversary, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary Ishaq Dar said Pakistan’s assumption of the chair reflected growing confidence in its regional and international role.
He credited the organization for promoting peace, security, stability, economic cooperation, regional connectivity and people-to-people exchanges across a vast geographical area.
In a statement issued by the foreign ministry on Monday, Dar said Pakistan’s relationship with the SCO had been steadily deepening since it moved from observer status to full membership in 2017.
He said the transition underscored Islamabad’s commitment to multilateral engagement and its belief in the potential of regional cooperation.
“This is a reflection of trust and confidence in Pakistan’s leadership role regionally and globally,” Dar said of the upcoming chairmanship.
Outlining Islamabad’s priorities, the foreign minister said Pakistan would pursue a practical and forward-looking agenda aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, improving regional connectivity and expanding engagement among SCO member states.
He noted that Pakistan had already played an active role in the organization, including hosting the Heads of Government Council meeting in Islamabad in October 2024. Pakistan is also currently chairing the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure for the period 2025-2026.
Dar further highlighted Pakistan’s position as the permanent chairman of the SCO Working Group on Poverty Reduction, describing it as an important platform to improve living standards across member countries.
