Ishaq Dar welcomed in Dushanbe ahead of SCO meeting

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Tajikistan’s capital, Dushanbe, on Tuesday to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting.

Tajik Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda welcomed Dar and other foreign delegates ahead of the gathering, which focuses on strengthening cooperation among SCO member states.

During the visit, Dar also met Tajik President Emomali Rahmon alongside other heads of delegations attending the meeting. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Rahmon highlighted the importance of enhancing regional economic cooperation through the SCO to improve connectivity, promote stability and achieve shared prosperity.

The SCO Council of Heads of Government is the organisation’s second-highest decision-making body. It addresses key issues related to trade, economic and financial cooperation, regional connectivity, socioeconomic development and budgetary matters.

Dar is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from SCO member states on the sidelines of the gathering to discuss matters of mutual interest and strengthen diplomatic ties.

Pakistan hosted the Council of Heads of Government meeting in October 2024. The country is scheduled to host the SCO Council of Heads of State summit in 2027 after assuming the organisation’s chairmanship last month.

Islamabad has also been actively involved in the organisation’s regional initiatives. In July, Pakistan hosted the 12th meeting of the SCO heads of border services. The country also chairs the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure, a position it assumed in September last year.