DPM tells SCO chief Pakistan ready to work closely with member states before assuming bloc’s chairmanship in September
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar holds meeting with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev in Islamabad. PHOTO: FO/X
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) objectives as the country prepares to assume the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State later this year.
Dar made the remarks during a meeting in Islamabad with SCO Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev, the Foreign Office (FO) said on X.
According to the statement, the two sides held a “productive exchange” on the organisation’s priorities and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation among member states in key areas, including the economy, transport and connectivity. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 today received the Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Nurlan Yermekbayev.
The two sides held a productive exchange on the SCO priorities and ways to further strengthen… pic.twitter.com/kerTmyAN0l
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 15, 2026
The FO said Yermekbayev commended Pakistan’s “constructive contributions to promoting regional peace, stability and cooperation”. He also shared proposals for enhancing the SCO’s effectiveness and efficiency and briefed Dar on preparations for the upcoming SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s “strong commitment to advancing the SCO’s objectives” and expressed the country’s readiness “to work closely with all member states” ahead of assuming the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State in September.
Pakistan is due to host the SCO Summit in 2027.
Read More: Pakistan to take SCO helm in September
Outlining Islamabad’s priorities, Dar has previously said Pakistan would pursue a practical and forward-looking agenda focused on strengthening economic cooperation, improving regional connectivity and expanding engagement among SCO member states.
Pakistan has also played an active role within the organisation, including hosting the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad in October 2024. The country is currently chairing the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure for the 2025-26 term.
Dar has also highlighted Pakistan’s role as the permanent chair of the SCO Working Group on Poverty Alleviation, describing it as an important platform for improving living standards across member states.
