Pakistan to assume chairmanship of SCO Council of Heads of States in September

Pakistan is set to assume the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) Council of Heads of State (CHS) in September, while next year’s CHS summit will also be hosted by Pakistan.

Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the SCO, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar acknowledged that the group has played an important role in “promoting regional peace, security, stability, economic cooperation, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges among its member states”, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.

Dar said that Pakistan’s involvement in the regional bloc has advanced from observer to a proactive full member since 2017, reflecting the country’s “unwavering commitment to multilateralism and confidence in the potential of our region”.

Ahead of Pakistan assuming chairmanship of the CHS, Dar added, “This is a reflection of trust and confidence in Pakistan’s leadership role regionally and globally.”

“Pakistan will continue to advance a forward-looking and action-oriented agenda aimed at enhancing economic collaboration, promoting regional connectivity, and deepening mutual understanding among peoples,” said the statement.

Citing Pakistan’s past contributions to the SCO, Dar mentioned that Pakistan hosted the Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government in October 2024 in Islamabad.

Pakistan is also chairing the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure for 2025-26, Dar stated.

The statement, quoting the foreign minister, further said that Pakistan is the permanent chair of an SCO working group on poverty alleviation, which focuses on improving living standards in the region.

Dar also mentioned the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which “serves as a model for trans-regional economic and trade integration among SCO countries”.

“As a frontline state that has made unparalleled sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, Pakistan values the SCO’s collaborative framework in combating the ‘three evils’ of terrorism, separatism and extremism.”

Dar lauded SCO’s promotion of digital innovation, energy security projects and mutual payments in national currencies, adding that these measures are “laying the foundation for a resilient regional economy.”

“We envision a prosperous future built on social cohesion and mutual respect,” Dar said in the press release.

Initially formed as a security cooperation group in 2001, the SCO has now evolved into a forum for trade and economic development in the region.

The SCO comprises 10 member states, namely India, Iran, China, Pakistan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The two observer states are Afghanistan and Mongolia.

This year’s CHS summit will be held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.