Islamabad: The Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Nurlan Yermekbayev, is set to visit Pakistan on April 17-18, 2025, following an invitation from Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar. The visit will see Yermekbayev leading a delegation from the SCO Secretariat in Beijing.

During his visit, the Secretary General is scheduled to hold meetings with key Pakistani officials, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, the Minister of Commerce, and the Foreign Secretary. His itinerary also includes visits to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI).

Yermekbayev will also deliver a speech at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and engage in discussions with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and media representatives. These engagements aim to enhance cooperation and dialogue between Pakistan and the SCO.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a ten-member inter-governmental body, represents a significant portion of the world’s population and global GDP. It serves as a platform for Pakistan to bolster its relations with member states and promote socio-economic collaboration.

This visit provides an opportunity for Pakistan to articulate its perspective on making SCO mechanisms more effective in achieving regional security and economic objectives. The engagement is expected to further integrate Pakistan into the SCO’s multilateral framework.