Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will lead Pakistan’s delegation to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on October 19 and 20.
The Foreign Office confirmed the visit on Monday, saying Dar would attend at the invitation of Tajikistan’s Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda. The meeting will bring together senior representatives from SCO member states to discuss regional cooperation and economic priorities.
Regional Leaders to Attend SCO Meeting
The meeting will include the prime ministers of Belarus, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Iran will send its vice president, while India will be represented by its external affairs minister.
The gathering provides a platform for member states to discuss shared interests and strengthen cooperation across the region.
Economic Cooperation and Connectivity on Agenda
The SCO Council of Heads of Government is the organisation’s second-highest decision-making body. It provides guidance on economic, financial, trade and connectivity matters, as well as socioeconomic cooperation and the organisation’s budget.
Participants are also expected to adopt a joint communiqué, statements and other decisions outlining areas of cooperation.
The discussions could help advance regional trade, improve transport links and strengthen economic engagement among member countries.
Dar to Hold Bilateral Meetings
During his visit, Dar is scheduled to meet Tajikistan’s president and prime minister. He will also hold bilateral meetings with counterparts from other SCO member states on the sidelines of the gathering.
These engagements will provide opportunities to discuss bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest.
Pakistan Prepares to Host SCO Summit in 2027
Pakistan is preparing to host the SCO Council of Heads of State summit in Islamabad in 2027. Dar chaired a follow-up meeting earlier this month to review preparations and assess progress on arrangements.
The upcoming summit is expected to offer another opportunity for Pakistan to deepen engagement with SCO members and advance shared regional priorities.
Pakistan last hosted the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad in October 2024. It is also chairing the organisation’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure for 2025–26.
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