Pakistan Advocates Enhanced Economic Integration at SCO Summit
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized the need for increased economic cooperation among member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) during his address at the
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized the need for increased economic cooperation among member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) during his address at the 24th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) in Moscow on November 18, 2025. His call to action comes as the SCO faces evolving global and regional challenges that necessitate modernization and deeper engagement.
Economic cooperation: Importance of Economic Collaboration
The CHG serves as the second-highest decision-making body within the SCO and is responsible for overseeing a range of areas including economy, finance, trade, connectivity, commerce, and socio-economic development. During his speech, Dar noted that the joint communique and other documents adopted at the summit would significantly guide collective efforts towards enhancing regional prosperity. He remarked that the SCO’s agenda, which encompasses trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation, is essential for establishing a 'mature, future-oriented' organization.
Shifting Towards Deeper Integration
Highlighting outcomes from the recent Tianjin summit, Dar pointed out that the SCO is transitioning towards greater economic integration. He outlined key elements such as expanded trade collaboration, improved infrastructure connectivity, investment partnerships, and the promotion of digital economies as foundational pillars for sustainable growth in the region.
Enhancing Humanitarian Efforts
Dar also emphasized the SCO's capability to bolster humanitarian cooperation and disaster response. He introduced Pakistan's advanced, technology-driven disaster management system and expressed the country's readiness to conduct simulation exercises with other member states to enhance regional preparedness.
Engaging Observer and Partner States
In addition, Dar called for more robust engagement with SCO observer and partner states, urging the organization to progress beyond mere 'passive observation' and incorporate these countries into project-based initiatives that align with their respective expertise. He proposed activating financial tools such as the SCO Interbank Consortium and advancing plans for an SCO Development Bank to support connectivity and technical collaboration projects.
Fostering Human Capital Development
Stressing the significance of human capital development, Dar proposed the expansion of the SCO University Network into a consortium dedicated to applied knowledge. This initiative aims to promote student exchanges and collaborative research across critical fields such as information technology, artificial intelligence, agriculture, water resource management, and telemedicine.
Commitment to Regional Cooperation
Reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to enhancing regional ties, Dar declared his vision for the SCO as a 'launch pad for shared success' that fosters greater innovation, interconnectedness, and integration among its member states.
