During the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit held in Bishkek on Tuesday, the leaders of member states endorsed and signed the joint declaration as Pakistan officially took over the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State for the 2026-27 term. This leadership role will see Pakistan guiding the organisation’s focus on enhancing regional cooperation, connectivity, security, and economic collaboration.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif represented Pakistan at the meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State, signing the summit’s declaration on behalf of the country. The signing ceremony marked the formal conclusion of the summit’s agenda after the leaders collectively approved the document. Upon arrival at the main summit hall, PM Shehbaz was warmly received by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov.
Earlier in the day, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, in Bishkek ahead of the SCO heads of state meeting. They discussed the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in June 2026, agreeing that sincere implementation of the MoU by all parties involved in the dispute remains the only viable path forward.
Dar underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy as critical tools for fostering peace and stability across the region. The two foreign ministers also reviewed bilateral relations and the broader regional situation, emphasizing the need for continued and regular communication between their countries.
On Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the SCO summit. Their discussions covered regional developments, bilateral ties, and the implementation of the Islamabad MoU. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations and to executing the agreements reached during Pezeshkian’s June visit to Pakistan.
Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s dedication to promoting peace and reducing tensions in the region, pointing to the recent visit of Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to Tehran. He described Munir’s constructive engagements as promising steps toward positive outcomes. The prime minister emphasized that restraint, tolerance, and ongoing diplomatic efforts are essential for sustainable regional stability. He reiterated that continued dialogue under the Islamabad MoU framework is the only viable solution for lasting peace.
The Islamabad MoU, signed in June as part of diplomatic efforts involving Pakistan, Iran, and the United States, has since been central to Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives aimed at facilitating dialogue and preventing further escalation.
President Pezeshkian praised Pakistan’s diplomatic role and characterized Pakistan-Iran relations as deeply rooted in shared history, culture, and religion. He expressed Tehran’s interest in expanding cooperation and called for greater unity among Muslim nations. The two leaders also explored opportunities for enhanced regional connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.
Sharif extended an invitation to Pezeshkian to visit Pakistan, while Pezeshkian reciprocated by inviting the prime minister to attend the Economic Cooperation Organisation summit scheduled for December 2026 in Tehran.
