Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar departed for Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on Monday to lead Pakistan's delegation to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting, scheduled for October 19 and 20. This high-level visit underscores Pakistan's commitment to regional connectivity and economic cooperation within the SCO framework.
According to a Foreign Office statement, besides participating in the proceedings, DPM Dar will meet Tajikistan's leadership and his counterparts from SCO member states on the sidelines of the summit. The visit is expected to strengthen bilateral ties and foster deeper regional integration.
Dar is attending at the invitation of Tajikistan Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda. The prime ministers of Belarus, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, along with the vice president of Iran and India's external affairs minister, will represent their respective countries at the forum.
The CHG is the SCO's second-highest decision-making body, providing guidance on economy, finance, trade, connectivity, commerce, socio-economic cooperation, and budgetary matters. The meeting will also adopt a joint communique and key decisions aimed at enhancing regional stability.
During his visit, Dar will call on the president and prime minister of Tajikistan and hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts. These discussions are expected to cover trade, energy, and security cooperation, which are vital for Pakistan's economic growth.
The SCO has become an increasingly important platform for Pakistan to engage with Central Asian states. By participating in this summit, Islamabad aims to promote its vision of regional peace and shared prosperity through enhanced trade routes and infrastructure projects.
Diplomatic observers note that the presence of major regional powers at this summit provides a unique opportunity for Pakistan to advocate for its economic interests. The focus remains on addressing common challenges such as climate change, food security, and regional terrorism.
The Foreign Office emphasized that Pakistan remains a proactive member of the SCO. The delegation led by Senator Dar is well-prepared to articulate Pakistan's stance on various regional issues and contribute to the collective goals of the organization.
As the summit progresses, the adoption of the joint communique will be a critical milestone. It will reflect the consensus reached by the member states on various socio-economic and political issues affecting the region.
The visit concludes with high expectations for tangible outcomes that will benefit the people of Pakistan and the broader SCO region. Senator Dar is expected to return to Islamabad after completing his official engagements in Dushanbe.