Pakistan reaffirms commitment to SCO, cites China’s role in regional cooperation

Gwadar Pro

Islamabad: Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation this week, saying the regional grouping remained an important platform for security cooperation, economic connectivity and political dialogue.

In a message marking the 25th anniversary of the SCO, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan would continue to support the principles of the SCO Charter and the “Shanghai Spirit”, including mutual trust, equality, respect for diversity and shared development.

SCO was founded in 2001 after evolving from the Shanghai Five mechanism. Pakistan joined as a full member in 2017 after previously holding observer status.

Dar said China had played a central role in shaping the SCO’s development and promoting regional connectivity. He cited the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as an example of cooperation that could help expand trade, investment and infrastructure links across the SCO region.

Pakistan’s location, he said, gave it the potential to serve as a gateway between South Asia, Central Asia and the wider Eurasian region.

Pakistan is due to assume the rotational chair of the SCO Council of Heads of State and Council of Foreign Ministers for 2026-27 and host the SCO summit in 2027, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry.

Dar said Islamabad would pursue an agenda focused on economic cooperation, regional connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.

Pakistan hosted the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in October 2024. It also chairs the SCO Council of Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure for 2025-26.

Dar said Pakistan valued SCO’s role in combating terrorism, separatism and extremism, adding that intelligence-sharing and collective action were important for regional stability.

The statement also said Pakistan would support cooperation within the SCO on digital transformation, energy security, trade facilitation, food security, climate resilience, public health, education and sustainable development.

Dar also highlighted Pakistan’s role in SCO poverty alleviation cooperation, saying Islamabad would work with member states to improve living standards and expand economic opportunities.

He said continued cooperation under the SCO framework could strengthen the organisation’s role in promoting peace, stability and development across the region.