Islamabad: Pakistan recently hosted the first meeting of the Council of National Coordinators (CNC) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Islamabad from September 28 to 30, 2026. The meeting marked the commencement of Pakistan’s chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State for 2026-27. National Coordinators from SCO member states and representatives from the SCO Secretariat participated in the discussions, which were led by Pakistan’s National Coordinator.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the three-day meeting provided a platform for reviewing the planned activities under Pakistan’s leadership, assessing progress on key initiatives, and preparing for upcoming SCO events and meetings. The discussions also focused on enhancing coordination among member states to effectively implement Pakistan’s chairmanship priorities, encapsulated by the theme, “Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity.”

The programme included cultural and sports-related visits, with delegations exploring Pakistan’s cultural heritage at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts and receiving briefings on the upcoming SCO Hockey Tournament at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium. The tournament is scheduled to take place from November 20 to December 2, 2026, as part of Pakistan’s leadership agenda.

On September 30, 2026, the National Coordinators met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Deputy Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the SCO’s objectives and its dedication to fostering cooperation with member states.

The meeting concluded with agreed outcomes, as participating coordinators reaffirmed their dedication to advancing the SCO’s goals through sustained engagement and practical cooperation.