Pakistan to chair SCO Council of Heads of State in September, says Ishaq Dar

Pakistan will chair the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State in September and is set to host the SCO summit in 2027, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on the occasion of the SCO’s 25th anniversary.

In a message extending heartfelt congratulations to the SCO family, Dar said Pakistan’s upcoming leadership roles reflect international confidence in the country’s growing importance on the global stage.

He noted that since its establishment in 2001, the SCO has emerged as a key platform for regional cooperation, playing a significant role in promoting peace, security, stability and economic collaboration among member states. He said the 25th anniversary of the organization highlights the enduring strength of the “Shanghai Spirit,” which he described as a symbol of mutual trust, equality and shared development.

Pakistan has been an active full member of the SCO since 2017, and its participation, he said, reflects a strong commitment to multilateral cooperation and the principles of the SCO Charter. The foreign minister reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to promote economic cooperation, regional connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.

He announced that Islamabad will host the SCO Heads of Government Meeting in October 2024, while Pakistan will also chair the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) for 2025–2026 and lead the SCO Working Group on Poverty Alleviation.

Highlighting Pakistan’s strategic importance, Dar said the country’s geographic location serves as a vital bridge for Eurasian connectivity, adding that the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a strong example of economic integration among SCO member states.

He also emphasized Pakistan’s contributions and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, stating that they remain unparalleled. According to him, the SCO is actively working to strengthen regional economies with a focus on digital innovation, energy security, and trade settlements in local currencies.

Dar said Pakistan remains keen to expand cooperation in areas such as food security, climate change, health, education, and investment, reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to regional peace, harmony, and shared prosperity.