Pakistan Vows Inclusive and Constructive SCO Chairmanship, Ishaq Dar Says

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to an open, inclusive and constructive chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Dar addressed national coordinators of SCO member states, along with senior representatives of the SCO Secretariat and the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad.

Welcoming the participants to the first meeting of the Council of National Coordinators under Pakistan’s chairmanship, Dar said Pakistan’s approach would be guided by the “Shanghai Spirit” of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation and common development.

Pakistan assumed the SCO Council of Heads of State chairmanship for 2026–27 and will host the next meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in Islamabad in August 2027.

Dar highlighted Pakistan’s chairmanship theme, “Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity,” and stressed the importance of converting the organisation’s shared vision into practical cooperation and tangible outcomes.

He called for close coordination among SCO member states to ensure that activities planned during Pakistan’s chairmanship contribute to stronger connectivity, innovation, economic cooperation and shared development.

The Council of National Coordinators meeting in Islamabad is being held from September 28 to 30 and is discussing SCO cooperation, coordination, the programme of activities under Pakistan’s chairmanship and preparations for upcoming meetings and events.

Dar also highlighted preparations for the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting to be hosted by Pakistan in Islamabad next year, urging member states to work closely together for the successful conduct of the organisation’s high-level engagements.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has said the country’s chairmanship will focus on advancing greater connectivity, fostering innovation, enhancing economic cooperation and strengthening people-to-people contacts among SCO member states.