ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing the objectives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as the country prepares to assume the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State later this year.
Dar made the remarks during a meeting with SCO Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev in Islamabad, according to the Foreign Office (FO). The meeting focused on the organisation’s priorities and Pakistan’s preparations for its upcoming leadership role.
According to the FO, the two sides held a productive exchange on ways to strengthen cooperation among SCO member states, particularly in the fields of economy, transport and regional connectivity. They also discussed regional and international developments of mutual interest.
The FO said Yermekbayev appreciated Pakistan’s constructive contributions to promoting regional peace, stability and cooperation. He also shared proposals aimed at improving the SCO’s effectiveness and efficiency and briefed Dar on preparations for the upcoming SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting scheduled to be held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
During the meeting, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s strong commitment to advancing the SCO’s objectives and expressed the country’s readiness to work closely with all member states as it prepares to assume the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State in September.
Pakistan is scheduled to host the SCO Summit in 2027.
Earlier, Dar had outlined Islamabad’s priorities for its upcoming chairmanship, saying Pakistan would pursue a practical and forward-looking agenda centred on strengthening economic cooperation, enhancing regional connectivity and expanding engagement among SCO member states.
Pakistan has remained an active participant in the organisation’s activities. The country hosted the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad in October 2024 and is currently serving as chair of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure for the 2025-26 term.
Dar has also underscored Pakistan’s role as the permanent chair of the SCO Working Group on Poverty Alleviation, describing it as a key platform for improving living standards across SCO member states.