DPM says SCO chief Pakistan ready to work closely with member states before assuming bloc’s presidency in September
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar holds a meeting with Shanghai Cooperation Organization Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev in Islamabad. PHOTO: FO/X
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing the goals of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (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 in Islamabad with SCO Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FO) on X reported.
According to the statement, the two sides had a “productive exchange” on the organization’s priorities and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between member states in key areas, including the economy, transport and connectivity. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 today received Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Nurlan Yermekbayev.
The two sides had a productive exchange on the priorities of the SCO and ways to further strengthen… pic.twitter.com/kerTmyAN0l
– Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 15, 2026
FO said Yermekbayev praised Pakistan’s “constructive contributions to promoting regional peace, stability and cooperation.” He also shared proposals to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the SCO and briefed Dar on preparations for the upcoming meeting of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s “strong commitment to advancing the goals of the SCO” and expressed the country’s willingness “to work closely with all member states” before assuming the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State in September.
Pakistan is expected to host the SCO summit in 2027.
Learn more: Pakistan will take charge of the SCO in September
Outlining Islamabad’s priorities, Dar previously said Pakistan would pursue a practical and forward-looking agenda focused on strengthening economic cooperation, improving regional connectivity and expanding engagement among SCO member states.
Pakistan has also played an active role in the organization, including hosting the SCO Heads of Government Council meeting in Islamabad in October 2024. The country currently chairs the SCO regional counterterrorism structure for the 2025-2026 term.
Dar also highlighted Pakistan’s role as permanent chair of the SCO Working Group on Poverty Reduction, describing it as an important platform to improve the living standards of member states.
