BISHKEK: Pakistan will assume the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State for 2027–2028, following the signing of the summit declaration in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.
The signing ceremony for the declaration of the SCO Council of Heads of State was held in Bishkek during the summit.
According to the declaration, Pakistan will take over the chairmanship of the Council of Heads of State for the 2027–2028 term.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the SCO summit declaration on behalf of Pakistan, formally confirming the country’s upcoming role in leading the council.
Pakistan’s assumption of the chairmanship is considered an important diplomatic development for Islamabad, as the SCO provides a major regional platform bringing together countries from across Asia.
During its chairmanship, Pakistan will have an opportunity to play a more prominent role in discussions on regional cooperation, security, economic development, trade, connectivity and other issues of common interest.
The SCO has become an important forum for dialogue among its member states, particularly on matters relating to regional stability and economic cooperation. Pakistan has consistently highlighted the importance of stronger regional connectivity and closer economic relations with Central Asian countries.
The chairmanship will also provide Pakistan with an opportunity to promote its priorities within the organization and encourage greater cooperation among member states.
The declaration was signed during the proceedings in Bishkek, where leaders and representatives of SCO member states gathered for the Council of Heads of State summit.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s signing of the declaration represents Pakistan’s formal commitment to assuming the leadership role for the upcoming term.
Pakistan’s tenure is expected to involve hosting and coordinating various SCO-related activities and meetings, while Islamabad will work with member states to advance the organization’s agreed priorities.
The development is particularly significant for Pakistan’s regional diplomacy, as the country seeks to strengthen relations with Central Asian states and expand economic and strategic cooperation across the region.
The upcoming chairmanship will therefore give Islamabad an important platform to further its diplomatic engagement and contribute to discussions concerning regional peace, security, trade, connectivity and economic cooperation.
With the formal declaration now signed, Pakistan is set to prepare for its 2027–2028 chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State.
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