DUSHANBE: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday urged member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to promote the use of national currencies for mutual settlements and develop alternative financial mechanisms to mitigate the impact of international financial shocks.
Deputy PM Dar made these remarks while addressing the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan.
Dar said that, as a natural bridge connecting South Asia, Central Asia, and Eurasia, Pakistan remains committed to regional harmony, trade, transit connectivity, and economic integration.
Video of the statement by the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 at the SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting, Dushanbe (Narrow Format-20 October 2026) https://t.co/hvSLWVmp2A
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 20, 2026
Pakistan stresses dialogue and diplomacy to resolve regional issues
He added that Pakistan firmly believes that dialogue and diplomacy offer the most effective path to resolving regional tensions.
“To that end, Pakistan remains engaged in mediation efforts between the US and Iran. We will continue to support all efforts for dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes for lasting peace and stability,” he said.
He said that through unwavering adherence to sovereign equality and consensus, the SCO has safeguarded regional peace, navigated common security challenges, and laid a robust foundation for Eurasian connectivity.
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Remarks by Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 at the Expanded Format Session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
(20 October 2026)🔗⬇️
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 20, 2026
“Intra-SCO trade has expanded significantly, proving that cooperative multilateralism can effectively drive stability and sustainable development across our shared continent,” he noted.
The future of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) looks promising. Strategically located at the crossroads of major international trade routes, the SCO region has enormous potential to become a key driver of global economic growth.
He added that by harnessing its abundant natural resources, technological innovations, and dynamic human capital, the SCO can play a leading role in advancing digital transformation, promoting industrial development, and fostering sustainable economic growth across Eurasia.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 addressed the Expanded Format Session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. https://t.co/Q1A8ujl9Of
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 20, 2026
He said that the SCO states must accelerate local currency settlements and enhance the SCO Interbank Consortium framework to mitigate external financial risks, harmonise cross-border payment systems, and facilitate seamless trade financing.
“Such tools are measures which will advance development initiatives and help the SCO region to offset international financial shocks,” the he noted.
Pakistan wants peaceful, regionally integrated Afghanistan
He said Pakistan continues to be desirous of a peaceful, stable, regionally integrated and prosperous Afghanistan, which is at peace with itself and its neighbours.
Ishaq Dar said sustainable economic development cannot be guaranteed without durable peace and security in the region.
He said ensuring stability in Afghanistan is imperative for safeguarding the peace and stability of the region.
He said Pakistan has only one expectation from the Afghan Taliban regime that Afghan territory should not be used for terrorism against Pakistan and the world.
“The SCO should actively expand structured partnerships with international organisations including the United Nations, ASEAN, the Economic Cooperation,” he said.
He said Pakistan recommends that the SCO adopt a forward-looking strategy focused on joint technological innovation, climate resilience, energy security and secure supply chains.
“We must also operationalise Eurasian energy and transport corridors while deepening people-to-people ties, cultural exchanges, and educational partnerships,” Dar said.
Ishaq Dar calls on Tajik President
Ahead of the SCO meeting, Ishaq Dar called on Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, along with other heads of delegations, the Foreign Office (FO) said.
“President Rahmon welcomed the leaders and emphasised the importance of strengthening regional economic cooperation under the SCO to promote connectivity, stability and shared prosperity,” FO said.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 called on the President of Tajikistan, H.E. Emomali Rahmon, along with other Heads of Government Delegations of SCO Member States.
President Rahmon welcomed the leaders and emphasized the importance of strengthening regional economic cooperation under the SCO to promote connectivity, stability and shared prosperity.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 20, 2026
During his visit, Dar will also hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from SCO member states on the sidelines of the SCO moot, according to FO.
On Monday, Dar held a meeting with Tajikistan’s prime minister. He also met Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Mongolia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Jadambyn Enkhbayar on the sidelines of a banquet dinner hosted for the visiting delegates.
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The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) comprises 10 member states: Pakistan, China, India, Iran, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Afghanistan and Mongolia hold observer status.
Pakistan, which hosted the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting in October 2024, is scheduled to host the SCO Council of Heads of State (CHS) summit in 2027, following its assumption of the organisation’s chairmanship last month.
On September 30, Dar reviewed preparations for the upcoming CHS summit during a meeting with SCO national coordinators, who were visiting Islamabad.
In July, Pakistan also hosted the 12th Meeting of the Heads of Border Services of the Competent Authorities of the SCO.
