FM says Pakistan will pursue practical, forward-looking agenda to strengthen economic collaboration
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan will assume the presidency of the Council of Heads of State (CHS) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in September, marking a significant diplomatic milestone for Islamabad, which is also expected to host the bloc’s next summit of leaders next year.
Marking the 25th anniversary of the SCO, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan’s assumption of the presidency reflected growing confidence in the country’s regional and international role.
He credited the organization with fostering peace, security, stability, economic cooperation, regional connectivity and people-to-people exchanges over a vast geographical expanse.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, Dar said Pakistan’s relations with the SCO had gradually deepened since the organization upgraded from observer status to full member in 2017.
He said the transition underscored Islamabad’s commitment to multilateral engagement and its confidence in the potential of regional cooperation.
“This reflects confidence in Pakistan’s leadership role regionally and globally,” Dar said of the upcoming presidency.
Outlining Islamabad’s priorities, the foreign minister said Pakistan would pursue a practical and forward-looking agenda aimed at strengthening economic collaboration, improving regional connectivity and broadening engagement among SCO member states.
He noted that Pakistan has 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 regional counter-terrorism structure for the 2025-2026 term.
Dar further highlighted Pakistan’s position as the permanent chair of the SCO working group on poverty reduction, describing it as an important platform to improve the living standards of member countries.
