Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has called on Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) members to use the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to strengthen regional trade, investment and connectivity.
Addressing the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Dar also urged member states to expand settlements in national currencies and develop financial mechanisms to reduce exposure to global financial shocks.
He proposed establishing the SCO Development Bank, SCO Development Fund and SCO Investment Fund to support regional development and investment.
Dar Highlights CPEC’s Role in Regional Integration
Dar described CPEC as an opportunity for SCO partners to accelerate economic integration across the region.
He stressed the importance of targeted investment in energy and transport infrastructure to improve connectivity and support trade between member states.
Pakistan also supports greater investment in agriculture, mining, minerals and information technology. Dar identified artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, innovation, energy cooperation and information security as key areas for future SCO collaboration.
He added that protectionist policies and unilateral coercive measures could restrict economic growth and technological progress. He called for reforms to the global financial system and trade arrangements to support more equitable development.
Pakistan Calls for Trade in National Currencies
Dar urged SCO countries to increase the use of national currencies for mutual settlements and strengthen cross-border payment systems.
He said these measures could reduce external financial risks and make regional trade financing more efficient.
He also proposed strengthening the SCO Interbank Consortium while work continues towards establishing the SCO Development Bank.
Dar recommended stronger links between chambers of commerce and businesses, joint trade exhibitions and simpler customs procedures to help small and medium-sized enterprises expand across regional markets.
He further called for closer partnerships with organisations such as the United Nations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO).
AI, Energy and Connectivity Set Future Priorities
Dar highlighted the SCO’s potential to promote industrial growth and digital transformation across Eurasia. He said member states could benefit by combining their natural resources, technological capabilities and skilled workforce.
He also recalled Pakistan’s proposed priorities for the SCO Council of Heads of State summit scheduled to take place in Islamabad in August 2027.
These priorities include regional peace and security, trade and connectivity, AI and digital transformation, climate resilience, sustainable energy and people-to-people exchanges.
Dar said operationalising regional energy and transport corridors would be essential to improving trade links and strengthening economic cooperation.
Dar Calls for a Peaceful and Stable Afghanistan
During his address, Dar also raised concerns about cross-border terrorism originating from Afghanistan.
He said lasting peace and security were necessary for sustainable regional development. Pakistan, he added, wanted a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan with constructive relations with its neighbours.
Dar urged the Afghan Taliban administration to ensure that Afghan territory was not used for terrorist attacks against Pakistan or other countries.
Pakistan has repeatedly called on the Afghan authorities to address militant sanctuaries, particularly those linked to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistani officials say these concerns remain unresolved.
Dar also reiterated Pakistan’s support for dialogue and diplomacy to address regional tensions. He said Islamabad would continue supporting peaceful solutions to disputes, including through its diplomatic engagement over tensions involving the United States and Iran.
Pakistan and Tajikistan Discuss Stronger Ties
During his visit to Dushanbe, Dar met Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda and Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Dar and Muhriddin reaffirmed the longstanding ties between Pakistan and Tajikistan. They discussed expanding bilateral trade, economic cooperation, regional connectivity, energy, security and people-to-people exchanges.
Dar also held meetings with other SCO representatives, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Mongolia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Jadambyn Enkhbayar.
Pakistan to Host SCO Summit in 2027
Pakistan is scheduled to host the SCO Council of Heads of State summit in Islamabad in August 2027. The country previously hosted the Council of Heads of Government meeting in October 2024.
Dar said Pakistan remained committed to strengthening regional cooperation and building a peaceful, interconnected and prosperous SCO community.
Greater use of CPEC, investment in infrastructure and expanded trade links could help SCO members advance their shared economic goals and improve connectivity across South Asia, Central Asia and Eurasia.
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