ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting the objectives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as the country prepares to take over the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State later this year.
The Deputy PM made the remarks during a meeting with SCO Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev in Islamabad, the Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement.
“The two sides held a productive exchange on the SCO priorities and ways to further strengthen cooperation among Member States in key areas, including economy, transport, and connectivity,” it said.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 today received the Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Nurlan Yermekbayev.
The two sides held a productive exchange on the SCO priorities and ways to further strengthen… pic.twitter.com/kerTmyAN0l
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 15, 2026
They also exchanged views on regional and international developments.
The Secretary-General praised Pakistan’s constructive contributions to promoting regional peace, stability, and cooperation.
“The Secretary-General shared his perspective and proposals for further enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the SCO, and briefed the DPM/FM on preparations for the forthcoming SCO Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) Meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan,” the statement said.
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Ishaq Dar expressed Pakistan’s readiness to work closely with all member states ahead of assuming the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State (CHS) in September 2026 and hosting the SCO Summit in 2027.
Pakistan has also played an active role within the organisation, including hosting the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad in October 2024. The country is currently chairing the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure for the 2025-26 term.
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.
The country’s strategic location also aligns with the SCO’s broader objective of enhancing connectivity between East Asia, Central Asia, South Asia and the Middle East, giving Pakistan an important role in facilitating regional commerce.
