ISLAMABAD, Oct 20 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Tuesday, reiterated Pakistan’s resolute commitment to the foundational principles of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the enduring “Shanghai Spirit”, anchored in mutual trust, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity, and shared prosperity.
“As a natural bridge connecting South Asia, Central Asia, and Eurasia, Pakistan remains committed to regional harmony, trade, transit connectivity, and economic integration,” the DPM/FM said in his remarks at the expanded format session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
The DPM/FM said Pakistan firmly believed that dialogue and diplomacy offer the most effective path to resolving regional tensions.
“Our efforts to facilitate engagement and de-escalation in West Asia and the Gulf reflect our commitment to constructive diplomacy. To this effect, Pakistan remains engaged in mediation efforts between the US and Iran. We will continue to support all efforts for dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes for lasting peace and stability. Our diplomatic strategy is guided by our firm belief that regional challenges require collective, cooperative, and sustainable multilateral solutions,” the Foreign Office Spokesperson, in a press release, quoted him as saying.
During its quarter-century of existence, he opined the SCO has transformed from a regional confidence-building platform into a premier trans-continental organization representing over 40 percent of humanity, adding through unwavering adherence to sovereign equality and consensus, the SCO has safeguarded regional peace, navigated common security challenges, and laid a robust foundation for Eurasian connectivity.
Dar further said that intra-SCO trade had expanded significantly, proving that cooperative multilateralism can effectively drive stability and sustainable development across our shared continent.
About the future prospects of the SCO, he said these remained bright. Positioned at the crossroads of major international trade corridors, the SCO region possesses immense potential to serve as the engine of global economic growth.
By leveraging their vast natural resources, technological advancements, and vibrant human capital, the SCO can lead digital transformation, industrial growth, and sustainable economic development across Eurasia, he added.
The DPM/FM also proposed certain recommendations to deepen economic cooperation among SCO countries and expand international partnerships.
He stressed upon empowering the SCO Chambers of Commerce and Business Council, saying that they must reinvigorate the role of the SCO Chambers of Commerce and Business Council by establishing direct business-to-business links, organizing joint trade expos. Member states should also streamline customs procedures to support small and medium enterprises.
The DPM/FM said they must accelerate local currency settlements and enhance the SCO Interbank Consortium framework to mitigate external financial risks, harmonize cross-border payment systems, and facilitate seamless trade financing.
“Pending the establishment of SCO Development Bank, the IBC can play a more active role in financing infrastructure upgrades. Habib Bank Limited (HBL), the current Chair of the IBC, can help advance this agenda through close coordination with fellow members,” he added.
He emphasized that the SCO should actively expand structured partnerships with international organizations including the United Nations, ASEAN, the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), and other international and regional financial institutions, to reinforce an open, rules-based, and inclusive regional order.
Dar said Pakistan recommended that the SCO adopt a forward-looking strategy focused on joint technological innovation, climate resilience, energy security and secure supply chains, adding they must also operationalize Eurasian energy and transport corridors while deepening people-to-people ties, cultural exchanges, and educational partnerships.
He said Pakistan also looked forward to welcome the Heads of States at the SCO-CHS Summit at Islamabad in August 2027 and reaffirmed that Pakistan remained steadfast in its resolve to foster a peaceful, interconnected, and prosperous SCO community.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
