ISLAMABAD: Coordinators from the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) visited the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on Tuesday, marking a key preparatory engagement for the organisation’s upcoming activities under Pakistan’s chairmanship in 2027.
The visit underscored Pakistan’s efforts to place culture at the centre of regional diplomacy by showcasing the country’s artistic heritage, cultural diversity and people-to-people connections ahead of a series of SCO events.
Delegation explores Pakistan’s artistic legacy
The delegation was received by the Secretary of the National Heritage and Culture Division, who briefed the visiting officials on Pakistan’s rich cultural traditions and the role of arts in strengthening mutual understanding among SCO member states.
The coordinators toured PNCA’s prominent galleries, including the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah Photographic Exhibition and the renowned Sadequain Gallery, which celebrates the artistic legacy of one of Pakistan’s greatest painters.
The visitors also attended live cultural performances reflecting the diversity of Pakistan’s performing arts.
PNCA offers platform for SCO cultural exchange
Director General PNCA Muhammad Ayoub Jamali briefed the delegation on the council’s mandate to preserve and promote Pakistan’s visual and performing arts, as well as its initiatives to encourage cultural exchange at both national and international levels.
Recognising the growing importance of cultural diplomacy, the National Heritage and Culture Division offered PNCA’s premises as a venue where SCO member states could establish cultural stalls and exhibitions to present their art, traditions and heritage during future SCO engagements.
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Background: Pakistan’s SCO chairmanship in 2027
Pakistan will assume the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in 2027, hosting a series of ministerial meetings, cultural programmes and high-level regional engagements.
As part of its preparations, Islamabad is positioning cultural cooperation as a key pillar of its chairmanship, aiming to deepen intercultural dialogue, strengthen regional partnerships and promote the shared heritage of SCO member states.
