Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan is set to assume the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s Council of Heads of State in September, a development Islamabad has described as an important milestone in its regional diplomacy. The country is also expected to host the bloc’s next leaders’ summit in the following year.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the upcoming role reflects growing international confidence in Pakistan’s diplomatic standing and its engagement within multilateral forums.
Marking the SCO’s 25th anniversary, Dar noted that the organisation has played a key role in promoting regional peace, stability, economic cooperation, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges across a wide geographic region.
According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, Pakistan’s engagement with the SCO has deepened significantly since it became a full member in 2017, having previously held observer status. The minister said this progression demonstrates Islamabad’s commitment to multilateral cooperation and regional integration.
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Describing the chairmanship as a sign of trust in Pakistan’s leadership, Dar said the country intends to pursue a forward-looking and practical agenda during its tenure. Key priorities will include strengthening economic collaboration, enhancing regional connectivity, and expanding cooperation among member states.
He also pointed to Pakistan’s active contributions within the organisation, noting that Islamabad hosted the Council of Heads of Government meeting in October 2024. In addition, Pakistan is currently serving as chair of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure for the 2025–26 period.
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Dar further highlighted Pakistan’s role as permanent chair of the SCO working group on poverty alleviation, calling it an important platform for improving socio-economic conditions across member countries.
