Moscow: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is “well-placed” to strengthen regional cooperation in emergencies, humanitarian challenges, trade, and economic development. He was addressing the Council of Heads of Government summit in Moscow, being held from November 17–18 under Russia’s rotating presidency.
Speaking at the high-level gathering, FM Dar termed the SCO a future-oriented organisation, stressing that its agenda on trade, economy, connectivity, culture, and humanitarian collaboration forms a strong foundation for deeper regional partnerships. The meeting follows the landmark Tianjin Summit earlier this year and comes at a crucial time for Eurasian economic integration amid shifting global dynamics.
Dar highlighted that the Tianjin summit demonstrated member states’ collective resolve to maximise economic potential through expanded trade partnerships, infrastructure connectivity, investment flows, cross-border trade corridors, and digital economic development.
He noted that Pakistan has built a technology-driven disaster management system and expressed the country’s desire to hold simulation exercises with SCO member states to enhance regional preparedness for natural disasters and emergencies.
Referring to the SCO’s outreach structure, Dar emphasised the need for a more dynamic engagement model. We must move from passive observation to active participation. Observer and partner states should be included in project-based initiatives aligned with their expertise and our shared goals, he said. This shift, he added, would help build a flexible, multi-tiered model of cooperation.
The foreign minister also endorsed the introduction of English as an official working language for the SCO. He urged member states to establish a translation unit to facilitate communication, partnerships, and global outreach.
Outlining Pakistan’s proposals for strengthening the organisation, FM Dar underscored two priority areas that Operationalizing financial tools to boost trade and economic cooperation, including activating the SCO Interbank Consortium for financing connectivity and technical projects.
Building human capital, especially empowering youth through expanded academic and research partnerships.
Dar proposed transforming the SCO University Network into a regional consortium for applied knowledge, supporting joint research and student exchanges in critical fields such as artificial intelligence, IT, agriculture, water management, and telemedicine ensuring shared solutions to shared challenges.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment, Dar said, we aim to be a proactive and creative partner in shaping a more innovative, interconnected, and integrated region. The SCO should become a Launchpad for shared success commercially, culturally, and intellectually.
A day earlier, the foreign minister arrived in Moscow and was received by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin and other senior officials.
It is worth noting that the SCO summit in Tianjin, China, was held from August 31 to September 1. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already announced that Pakistan will host the next SCO summit, with dates yet to be confirmed.