FM says Pakistan will pursue practical, future-oriented agenda aimed at strengthening economic collaboration
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan will take over the presidency of the Council of Heads of State (CHS) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in September, marking a major diplomatic milestone for Islamabad, which will also host the bloc’s next leaders’ summit the following year.
On the occasion of 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 promoting peace, security, stability, economic cooperation, regional connectivity and people-to-people exchanges across a vast geographic expanse.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, Dar said Pakistan’s relationship with the SCO had steadily deepened since it moved from observer status to full member status in 2017.
He said the transition underscores Islamabad’s commitment to multilateral engagement and its belief in the potential of regional cooperation.
“This is a reflection of 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 future-oriented agenda aimed at strengthening economic collaboration, enhancing regional connectivity and expanding engagement among SCO member states.
He noted that Pakistan had already played an active role within the organisation, including holding the Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad in October 2024. Pakistan is also currently chairing the SCO Regional Counter-Terrorism Structure for the period 2025-26.
Dar further highlighted Pakistan’s position as permanent chairman of the SCO working group on poverty alleviation, describing it as an important platform for improving living standards in all member countries.
