SCO Monitoring Desk Islamabad
Under Pakistan’s Chairmanship of SCO Council of Heads of State (CHS) for 2026-27, the first meeting of the Council of National Coordinators (CNC) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was held in Islamabad from 28–30 September 2026.
The meeting was chaired by DPM/FM Ishaq Dar, the National Coordinator of the SCO for Pakistan, and attended by National Coordinators from SCO Member States and representatives of the SCO Secretariat. Director General Dr Mohammad Faisal, Spokesperson Amb Sajjad Khan Kachoo were also present. The Indian delegation also participated in the activity and he was welcomed warmly at the venue.
Ambassador of Russian Federation Mr. Alber P. Khorev, DHM of Kazakhstan, Iran and the delegations from other member states attended the meeting.
The DPM/FM underlined the theme of Pakistan’s Chairmanship, “Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation, and Shared Prosperity”, and stressed the need to translate the SCO’s shared vision into practical cooperation and tangible outcomes.
Ishaq Dar addressed the National Coordinators of SCO Member States, along with senior representatives of the SCO Secretariat and SCO RATS, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad.
Welcoming the National Coordinators to the first meeting of the Council of National Coordinators under Pakistan’s Chairmanship, the DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to an open, inclusive, and constructive Chairmanship, guided by the ‘Shanghai Spirit’ of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, and common development.
He also highlighted preparations to host the SCO Council of Heads of State in Islamabad in 2027, and called for close coordination among Member States to ensure a successful Chairmanship.
During the three-day meeting, the National Coordinators reviewed the programme of planned activities under Pakistan’s Chairmanship, took stock of the progress on key initiatives, and discussed preparations for forthcoming SCO meetings and events.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange views on strengthening the coordination among member states and ensuring effective implementation of Pakistan’s chairmanship priorities, in line with its theme, “Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity.”
As part of the scheduled programme, the SCO delegations and representatives of the SCO secretariat visited the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), where they were introduced to Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage and diverse artistic traditions.
The delegation also visited the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium, where they were briefed on the arrangements for hosting the SCO Hockey Tournament from 20th November to 02nd December 2026, as well as, the preparations being undertaken for the event, as part of Pakistan’s SCO Chairmanship.
The participating National Coordinators called on the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 30th September 2026.
The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister highlighted Pakistan’s priorities for its SCO Chairmanship and its commitment to working closely with all member states to advance the objectives of the Organization.
The meeting concluded with agreed outcomes. The participating National Coordinators reaffirmed their commitment to SCO goals and to advancing the objectives of the Organization through continued engagement and practical cooperation.
The DPM/FM expressed satisfaction with the preparations underway and directed all concerned departments to ensure close coordination and timely completion of all preparations in accordance with the agreed timelines.
The DPM/FM underscored Pakistan’s commitment to successfully hosting the SCO Summit and setting high standards as host of this important multilateral forum.
The meeting was attended by SAPM Tariq Bajwa, Secretary Defence, Acting Foreign Secretary, Chairman CDA, and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Earlier, Dr Mohammad Faisal recieved the deputy coordinators from the embassies of the member states and arriving delegates from their countries at preliminary meeting. The meeting discussed a wide range of matters related to SCO activities and cooperation among member states.
The participants also deliberated on the programme of events planned to be held during Pakistan’s chairmanship of the organisation, the ministry said.
Pakistan assumed the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State for the 2026-27 period, during which it is scheduled to host and oversee a series of meetings and activities under the regional grouping.
