Pakistan to Chair SCO Council of Heads of State in September
Pakistan is scheduled to assume the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) Council of Heads of State (CHS) in September. The country will also host the next CHS summit. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar highlighted the SCO's role in promoting regional peace, security, stability, economic cooperation, and connectivity, particularly as the organization commemorates its 25th anniversary. Pakistan, which became a full member in 2017, sees its upcoming leadership role as a reflection of confidence in its regional and global standing.
Pakistan is set to assume the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) Council of Heads of State (CHS) in September. The nation will also host the subsequent CHS summit, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized the SCO's significant role in fostering regional peace, security, stability, economic cooperation, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges among its member states. He noted that Pakistan's involvement evolved from an observer to a full member in 2017, demonstrating its commitment to multilateralism.
Dar indicated that Pakistan's impending chairmanship reflects trust in its regional and global leadership. He affirmed that Pakistan aims to advance a proactive agenda focused on enhancing economic collaboration, promoting regional connectivity, and deepening mutual understanding among member countries.
Pakistan's contributions to the SCO include hosting the Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government in October 2024 in Islamabad. The country is also slated to chair the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure for 2025-26 and holds the permanent chairmanship of an SCO working group dedicated to poverty alleviation. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was cited as a model for trans-regional economic and trade integration within SCO nations.
Dar underscored Pakistan’s valuation of the SCO’s framework in combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism, acknowledging the nation's sacrifices in this fight. He also praised the SCO's efforts in promoting digital innovation, energy security projects, and mutual payments in national currencies, which he believes contribute to a resilient regional economy.
Formed in 2001 as a security cooperation group, the SCO has expanded to include trade and economic development. It comprises 10 member states: India, Iran, China, Pakistan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Afghanistan and Mongolia are observer states. This year’s CHS summit is scheduled to take place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
(Source: Dawn Pakistan)
