Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to an open, inclusive, and constructive leadership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), guided by the principles of the “Shanghai Spirit,” which emphasizes mutual trust, benefit, equality, consultation, and shared development.
Dar made these remarks while addressing national coordinators from SCO member states, alongside senior officials from the SCO Secretariat and the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), during a meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad.
He welcomed the national coordinators to the inaugural session of the Council of National Coordinators under Pakistan’s chairmanship, stressing that Pakistan aims to convert the SCO’s collective vision into effective cooperation and concrete results.
Highlighting the theme for Pakistan’s 2026–27 SCO chairmanship, Dar stated it as “Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation, and Shared Prosperity.” He also discussed preparations for the SCO Council of Heads of State summit, scheduled to take place in Islamabad in August 2027, urging close collaboration among member states to ensure a fruitful chairmanship.
Pakistan officially assumed the SCO Council of Heads of State chairmanship for 2026–27 during the recent summit in Bishkek. The country’s priorities include enhancing connectivity, fostering innovation, boosting economic cooperation, and strengthening people-to-people ties.
The first meeting of the Council of National Coordinators convened in Islamabad from September 28 to 30, focusing on SCO cooperation, activity planning for Pakistan’s chairmanship, and preparations for upcoming high-level events. Notably, India’s SCO National Coordinator Alok Amitabh Dimri participated in this meeting.
Dar expressed satisfaction with the ongoing preparations and instructed all relevant departments to maintain close coordination and adhere to the set timelines to ensure timely completion of arrangements.
Meanwhile, Dimri is leading the Indian delegation at the meeting, marking his first visit to Pakistan in this capacity. On the sidelines, he expressed optimism that the SCO platform would advance through enhanced cooperation among member states.
Dimri shared his enthusiasm for attending the annual meeting in Pakistan and mentioned plans to visit Lahore, Sialkot, and Faisalabad during his stay. He noted Lahore’s designation as an SCO cultural city and hoped to experience more of Pakistan and engage with its people.
He emphasized that SCO activities would continue year-round, providing opportunities for members to deepen collaboration. Connectivity emerged as a key topic during discussions, with exchanges on regional trade and connectivity issues.
Dimri remarked, “We raised the important issue of connectivity. We discussed trade and connectivity in the region,” adding that the coordinators focused on an agenda aimed at development, welfare, and progress within the SCO framework.
The three-day meeting covered SCO cooperation and coordination, the programme of activities under Pakistan’s chairmanship, and preparations for forthcoming meetings, including the 2027 summit.
This meeting represents a significant milestone under Pakistan’s SCO leadership, with Islamabad preparing to host the Council of Heads of State Summit in August 2027.
