Dar calls for practical outcomes as Pakistan leads SCO meeting

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has called for stronger practical cooperation among Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) members as Pakistan continues its chairmanship of the grouping for 2026-27.

Dar chaired the first meeting of the SCO Council of National Coordinators in Islamabad, which brought together national coordinators from member states as well as representatives of the SCO Secretariat and its Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure.

He said Pakistan would pursue an open, inclusive and constructive chairmanship based on the principles of the “Shanghai Spirit”, including mutual trust, equality, mutual benefit, consultation and shared development.

The meeting focused on SCO activities, coordination among member states and preparations for events to be held during Pakistan’s chairmanship. The three-day meeting in Islamabad ran from September 28 to 30.

Dar highlighted Pakistan’s chairmanship theme, “Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity”. He stressed the importance of converting the organisation’s shared objectives into practical initiatives and measurable cooperation.

Pakistan will also host the SCO Council of Heads of State in Islamabad in August 2027. The national coordinators’ meeting is part of preparations for the high-level summit and other activities planned during Pakistan’s tenure.

The Council of National Coordinators plays a key role in coordinating the organisation’s regular activities. It also helps prepare meetings of the SCO Council of Heads of State, Council of Heads of Government and Council of Foreign Ministers.

Pakistan assumed the SCO chairmanship for 2026-27 at the organisation’s summit in Bishkek earlier this month. Islamabad has said its priorities during the tenure will include regional connectivity, innovation, economic cooperation and people-to-people links.