Pakistan reaffirms commitment to SCO ahead of assuming rotating chairmanship

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) objectives as the country prepares to assume the rotating chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State. He made these remarks during a productive meeting with SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev in Islamabad on Wednesday.

According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, the two leaders held a constructive exchange regarding the organisation’s core priorities. They discussed critical pathways to further strengthen cooperation among member states, particularly focusing on the economic sector, transport networks, and regional connectivity. Regional and international security developments also formed a key part of their discussions.

During the meeting, Secretary-General Yermekbayev commended Pakistan’s active and positive contributions to fostering regional peace, stability, and mutual cooperation. He shared various proposals to streamline and enhance the overall efficiency of the SCO, whilst also briefing the Deputy Prime Minister on the ongoing preparations for the upcoming SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting scheduled to take place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Dar expressed Pakistan’s complete readiness to work in close coordination with all member states as the country prepares to take the helm of the SCO Council of Heads of State in September. Looking further ahead, Pakistan is also slated to host the highly anticipated SCO Summit in 2027.

Islamabad’s priorities under its upcoming tenure will focus on a practical, forward-looking agenda aimed at boosting economic ties, reducing poverty, and improving infrastructure links across the region. Pakistan continues to play an essential role within the bloc, currently chairing the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure for the 2025-26 term and serving as the permanent chair of the SCO Working Group on Poverty Alleviation.