Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will depart for Astana, Kazakhstan, on July 4, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State summit, with China hosting the event as the current chair.
Dar’s visit is expected to emphasize Pakistan’s commitment to regional security, connectivity, economic cooperation, and counterterrorism—key pillars of the SCO agenda. The summit will bring together heads of state and ministers from China, Russia, India, Iran, Central Asian republics, and other member nations.
Pakistan’s Agenda at the SCO
According to the Foreign Office:
- Dar will hold bilateral meetings with Chinese and Central Asian counterparts
- He will advocate for regional connectivity projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
- Issues of counterterrorism, climate resilience, and trade facilitation will top Pakistan’s engagement priorities
“Pakistan believes the SCO offers a vital platform for regional dialogue, economic integration, and collective security,” said a Foreign Office spokesperson.
SCO: A Growing Strategic Forum
The SCO, founded in 2001, is a regional security and economic bloc that includes:
- Full members: China, Russia, Pakistan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan
- Observer states and dialogue partners from across Asia, the Middle East, and Eurasia
This year’s summit is particularly important as member states navigate global economic instability, emerging multipolar alliances, and tensions over conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and South Asia.
Ishaq Dar’s Diplomatic Outreach
Dar’s trip will also serve as a platform to:
- Reaffirm Pakistan-China strategic ties amid regional uncertainty
- Explore bilateral investment opportunities with SCO countries
- Address challenges faced by Afghanistan and border security dynamics
It marks his first official multilateral appearance as foreign minister since the new cabinet was formed in early 2025.
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