Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday called on Tajikistan Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda in Dushanbe while leading Pakistan's delegation to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting, held on October 19-20, 2026. Pakistan holds the rotational chair of the SCO-CHG for the 2026-2027 term.
The Foreign Office, quoting Dar, stated that during his meeting with Qohir Rasulzoda, the DPM/FM congratulated Tajikistan on the 35th anniversary of its independence. The two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, energy, connectivity, defence, and culture, as well as promoting people-to-people exchanges.
"They also underscored the importance of cooperation on climate change and water security," the FO said. Highlighting Pakistan's expertise in disaster management, the DPM/FM underscored the potential for cooperation with Tajikistan through the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
They also exchanged views on regional developments. Dar reiterated Pakistan's commitment to working closely with Tajikistan to promote regional peace and deeper economic integration, the statement added.
Dar is visiting Dushanbe at the invitation of Rasulzoda to attend the SCO-CHG meeting. The CHG is the SCO's second-highest decision-making body and provides guidance on economic, financial, trade, connectivity, and socio-economic cooperation, as well as the organisation's budgetary matters, the FO noted.
The CHG will also adopt a joint communiqué, statements, and important decisions. "The prime ministers of Belarus, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, Iran's vice president, and India's external affairs minister will also represent their respective countries at the meeting," the statement said.
During his visit, Dar will also call on Tajikistan's president and hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from SCO member states on the sidelines of the meeting. The visit marks a significant step in Pakistan's diplomatic outreach within Central Asia.
By leveraging its role as the chair of the SCO-CHG, Islamabad aims to foster stronger economic ties with regional partners. Experts suggest that the focus on energy and connectivity is vital for the region's long-term stability.
Enhanced infrastructure projects are expected to facilitate smoother trade routes between Pakistan and the Central Asian states. The delegation led by Dar is expected to return to Islamabad following the conclusion of the summit, carrying forward the momentum generated by these high-level discussions.