Islamabad: Pakistan has formally assumed the Chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) for the upcoming year, marking a significant development in its regional diplomatic engagements.

According to Radio Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the assumption of the Chairmanship through a social media post on the platform X. Under Pakistan’s leadership, the SCO will operate under the theme: “Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity.” The Prime Minister extended congratulations to the Kyrgyz Republic for its successful hosting of the recent summit and for its leadership of the organization.

Prime Minister Sharif addressed the SCO Council of Heads of State Meeting in Bishkek, highlighting the organization’s emergence as a key forum for regional cooperation over the past 25 years. He emphasized Pakistan’s sacrifices in combating terrorism and reiterated the need for a unified stance against terrorism in all forms. He also emphasized the importance of water as a critical resource for the region, urging that it should not be weaponized and that treaties governing shared waters be respected.

Expressing optimism about the organization’s future, Prime Minister Sharif conveyed confidence that the SCO would continue to strengthen and improve the lives of its over three billion constituents.