Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Sunday called on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to retract its planned October 15 protest, citing the “larger national interest.” This request comes as Pakistan prepares to host the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on October 15-16 in Islamabad, where crucial issues under the SCO framework will be discussed.
Speaking to the press after reviewing arrangements for the upcoming CHG-SCO meeting, Dar criticized PTI’s plans, reminding that a similar protest in 2014 led to the postponement of a Chinese president’s visit. He emphasized that the PTI had crossed many red lines in the past, including attacks on state institutions, and urged the party’s leadership to reconsider its decision.
The Deputy PM highlighted that several countries had requested bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the CHG-SCO summit, and these meetings had been confirmed. He noted that India had not sought a bilateral meeting, indicating that only SCO-related matters would be addressed at the multilateral forum.
Regarding Afghanistan, Dar explained that the country’s Observer Status has been suspended since 2021, preventing its participation in SCO meetings. He clarified that Pakistan alone could not make decisions on this matter as it is under the jurisdiction of all SCO member states.
Dar affirmed Pakistan’s commitment as the host of the CHG-SCO summit, adding that discussions on North-South and South-South connectivity were ongoing both bilaterally and multilaterally. He stated that the SCO would address specific issues within its established scope and protocol.
He emphasized the need for regional integration and peace, which he said aligns with the objectives of PML-N leadership and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and is reflected in the party’s manifesto. Dar also outlined the government’s progress in reducing inflation ahead of next year’s target.
In response to claims of Pakistan’s diplomatic isolation, Dar pointed to recent visits from the Malaysian premier and a Saudi delegation, arguing that Pakistan has become a regional hub for trade and investment. He noted that trade and commerce discussions with SCO member states are ongoing.
