ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to take over the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State (CHS) in September, marking a significant diplomatic milestone.
Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that since its establishment in 2001, the SCO has evolved into a pivotal platform for regional cooperation.
“It is playing an important role in promoting regional peace, security, stability, economic cooperation, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges among its member States,” according to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.
Dar said that Pakistan’s involvement in the regional bloc has advanced from observer to a proactive full member since 2017, reflecting the country’s “unwavering commitment to multilateralism and confidence in the potential of our region”.
“We are looking forward to assuming the chairmanship of SCO Council of Heads of States (CHS) in September this year and hosting the Summit in 2027,’ the statement said, quoting the minister. It added that this is a reflection of trust and confidence in Pakistan’s leadership role regionally and globally.
“Pakistan will continue to advance a forward-looking and action-oriented agenda aimed at enhancing economic collaboration, promoting regional connectivity, and deepening mutual understanding among peoples,” said the statement.
🔊 PR No. 144/2026
Message from the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 on the 25th Anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 15, 2026
Citing Pakistan’s past contributions to the SCO, Dar mentioned that Pakistan hosted the Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government in October 2024 in Islamabad.
“We are currently steering the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO-RATS) as its chair for 2025-2026. As the permanent chair of the SCO Special Working Group on Poverty Alleviation, we aim at improving the living standards of millions across our region,” it said.
He added that Pakistan’s strategic geographical location serves as a natural bridge for Eurasian connectivity. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) serves as a model for trans- regional economic and trade integration among SCO countries.
Dar also mentioned the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which “serves as a model for trans-regional economic and trade integration among SCO countries”.
“As a frontline state that has made unparalleled sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, Pakistan values the SCO’s collaborative framework in combating the ‘three evils’ of terrorism, separatism and extremism.”
Dar lauded SCO’s promotion of digital innovation, energy security projects and mutual payments in national currencies, adding that these measures are “laying the foundation for a resilient regional economy.”
“We envision a prosperous future built on social cohesion and mutual respect,” Dar said in the press release.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), established in 2001 as a regional security cooperation platform, has since expanded its role to include trade, economic collaboration, and broader regional development initiatives.
It now consists of 10 member states: India, Iran, China, Pakistan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Afghanistan and Mongolia hold observer status within the organisation.
This year’s SCO summit is scheduled to take place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
