Statement by the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar at the SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting, Dushanbe (Narrow Format- 20 October 2026)

Excellency Qohir Rasulzoda, Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan and Chairman of the SCO Council of Heads of Government,
Hon’ble Heads of Delegations of SCO MemberStates,  
Excellency SCO Secretary General,
Excellency Director SCO RATS Executive Committee,
Excellencies, 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Very Good Morning, DOBRE OOTRA!

1.  It is indeed my privilege to participate on behalf of Pakistan in the 25th meeting of the Council of Heads of Government in Dushanbe. I extend my sincere appreciation to my brother Qohir Rasulzoda, theHonorable Prime Minister, the Government and the people of Tajikistan for their warm and generous hospitality.  

Excellencies,

2.  Over the past twenty-five years, the SCO has remained anchored in the “Shanghai Spirit” of mutual trust and respect for diversity and expanded its mandate to encompass trade, infrastructure, culture, and innovation.  

3.  Pakistan’s journey within the SCO highlights our commitment to the Shanghai Spirit. Pakistan hosted the Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad in 2024. We successfully concluded the chairmanship of the SCO Anti-Terrorism Structure this year. As Chair of the SCO Working Group on Poverty Alleviation, we share our experiences and learn from those of others. This year we intend to highlight the role of Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in reducing poverty. 

Distinguished Colleagues,

4.  For our region to achieve seamless economic integration, targeted investments in core sectors – most notably in energy and transport – are vital. In parallel, Pakistan strongly advocates for expanding investments into high-potential industries, including agriculture, mining and minerals, and information technology, to build a resilient and interconnected economic future for all our nations. 

5.  The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) offers every SCO partner a compelling opportunity to participate in and accelerate our shared journey toward comprehensive economic integration. 

6.  Pakistan also believes that Artificial Intelligence, digital transformation, innovation, energy cooperation and international information security should become important pillars of future cooperation within the SCO. 

7.  With these priorities in mind, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif unveiled Pakistan’s vision for its SCO Chairmanship under the theme “Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity”. We have identified the following priority areas: 
i. Peace, Security and Mutual Trust
ii. Regional Connectivity and Trade
iii. Innovation, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation
iv. Climate Resilience and Sustainable Energy
v. People-to-People Exchanges

Excellencies,

8.  We firmly believe that strategic investment in transport and energy infrastructure is not merely beneficial – it is imperative for true regional economic integration.  

9.  We reiterate the need to accelerate efforts to promote the use of national currencies for mutual settlement and establishing the SCO Development Bank, SCO Development Fund and an Investment Fund. Such tools and measures will advance development initiatives and help the SCO region to offset international financial shocks.  

Excellencies,

10.  Protectionist policies and unilateral coercive measures contradict the principles of international law. These suppress economic growth, block technological progress and increase inequality. Therefore, reform of the global financial architecture and trade regimes is essential for achieving equitable global development. 

Excellencies, 

11.  Sustainable economic development cannot be guaranteed without durable peace and security in the region. Ensuring stability in Afghanistan is imperative for safeguarding the peace and stability of our region. Pakistan continues to be desirous of a peaceful, stable, regionally integrated and prosperous Afghanistan, which is at peace with itself and its neighbours. We have made sincere efforts to support Afghanistan’s development and the well-being of its people. 

12.  In return, Pakistan has only one expectation from the Afghan Taliban regime: that Afghan territory should not be used for terrorism against Pakistan and the world. 

13.  Pakistan remains committed to a peaceful and stable neighbourhood as an essential foundation for regional development and prosperity.  

Distinguished Guests, 

14.  I wish to congratulate, once again, the Government of Tajikistan as well as the heads of SCO’s permanent bodies, Secretary General SCO Nurlan Yermekbayev and Director (SCO RATS) UlarbekSharsheyev, on the successful completion of the CHG meeting this year. 

15.  I also commend the hard work of National Coordinators and all experts working through various SCO mechanisms, who helped finalise the documents and decisions that will be adopted today. The Joint Communiqué and statements are reflective of our joint aspirations and commitments. I hope these will be finalised today.  

Excellencies, 

16.  The fundamental strength of the SCO is anchored not only in our deeply intertwined histories, but more importantly, in the resilient, shared future that we collectively choose to forge. Pakistan stands resolute in its commitment to serve as an active architect of this shared destiny, and to shape the next decade of Eurasian connectivity and economic prosperity.  

17.  My heartfelt congratulations to H.E. PM of Uzbekistan for taking over the chair of SCO-CHG for 2026–27. Pakistan looks forward to warmly welcoming in Islamabad the Heads of State of the SCO family and their delegations to the CHS Summit in August next year.  
Thank you, Excellencies.

Islamabad 
20 October 2026