ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has formally assumed the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) for the upcoming year, taking responsibility for steering the regional bloc toward greater cooperation and shared development.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a post on X on Tuesday, said that Pakistan will conduct its SCO chairmanship under the theme, Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity.
The Prime Minister also congratulated the Kyrgyz Republic on successfully hosting the SCO Summit and praised its leadership in steering the organization.
Pakistan PM addresses SCO summit
Shehbaz Sharif said he was honoured to address the SCO Council of Heads of State Meeting in Bishkek, emphasizing the growing importance of the organization in promoting regional cooperation.
Today, I was honoured to address the SCO Council of Heads of State Meeting in Bishkek as Pakistan assumed the SCO Chairmanship for 2027. I congratulated the Kyrgyz Republic on successfully hosting the Summit and steering the Organization with distinction.
Guided by the Shanghai… pic.twitter.com/1mvRW85klD
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) September 1, 2026
He noted that, guided by the Shanghai Spirit, the SCO has developed over the past 25 years into an important platform for cooperation among countries across the region.
Fight against terrorism
During his address, the Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan’s significant sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. He reiterated that terrorism must be condemned in all its forms and manifestations.
Sharif stressed the need for continued collective efforts by SCO member states to address security challenges and promote peace and stability across the region.
Water security remains a regional priority
The Prime Minister also drew attention to the importance of water resources, describing water as the lifeblood of the region.
He stressed that water should never be weaponized and called for strict adherence to binding treaties governing shared water resources. According to Sharif, such agreements must be honoured in both letter and spirit.
SCO represents more than three billion people
Expressing confidence in the organization’s future, Shehbaz Sharif said the SCO will continue to grow from strength to strength and contribute to meaningful improvements in the lives of its more than three billion people.
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Pakistan’s year-long chairmanship is expected to focus on strengthening regional connectivity, innovation, economic cooperation, shared prosperity and collective security among SCO members.
Prime Minister Sharif arrives in Bishkek
Prime Minister Shehbaz arrived in Bishkek on Monday for a three-day official visit, which will continue until September 2 at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Zhaparov.
Prime Minister Shehbaz is leading Pakistan’s delegation to the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting. During his visit, he is also scheduled to participate in the SCO Plus Summit.
The SCO today comprises China, Russia, Pakistan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran and Belarus.
Collectively, the bloc represents around 40 per cent of the world’s population and accounts for a substantial share of global economic output, making it one of the largest regional organisations by geographic coverage and population.
For Pakistan, membership provides access to emerging markets across Central Asia and Eurasia, and strengthens dialogue with major regional economies.
Islamabad has consistently advocated greater regional integration through infrastructure development, customs cooperation and simplified trade procedures.
