Islamabad Prepares to Chair Key SCO Forum and Host Summit
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to assume the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State (CHS) in September, while the country will also host the next CHS summit in 2027, marking a significant milestone in its regional diplomatic engagement.
Commemorating the SCO’s 25th anniversary, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the organisation has played a vital role in promoting regional peace, security, stability, economic cooperation, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges among member states.
Dar noted that Pakistan’s journey within the SCO has evolved from observer status to becoming an active and constructive full member since 2017. He described the upcoming chairmanship as a reflection of the confidence member states have placed in Pakistan’s regional and international leadership.
Furthermore, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing an action-oriented agenda focused on economic collaboration, regional connectivity and stronger ties among the peoples of the SCO region.
Pakistan Highlights Contributions to Security and Development
The foreign minister also pointed to Pakistan’s previous contributions to the organisation, including hosting the Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad in October 2024.
Additionally, Pakistan currently chairs the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure for the 2025-26 term and serves as the permanent chair of the organisation’s working group on poverty alleviation.
Dar emphasized that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) represents a successful model of regional economic integration and connectivity among SCO member countries.
Focus on Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration
Meanwhile, Dar praised the SCO’s efforts to promote digital innovation, energy cooperation and the use of national currencies in mutual trade.
He stressed that these initiatives are helping build a more resilient regional economy while fostering social cohesion and mutual respect among member states.
Founded in 2001, the SCO has expanded from a security-focused platform into a major regional forum for economic cooperation and development, bringing together ten member states across Eurasia.
