Pakistan calls for coordinated SCO action against terrorism

MOSCOW: Pakistan called for stronger collective action within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to address terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking during consultations held in Moscow at the Russian Foreign Ministry.

The consultations, conducted at the level of deputy foreign ministers of SCO member states, focused on the organisation’s international activities and regional security. The discussions centred on improving coordination among member states to advance the SCO’s international agenda.

Participants also gave particular attention to reinforcing the SCO’s regional security framework and updating its mechanisms so they can respond more effectively to current challenges and threats across the SCO region.

Pakistan was represented at the meeting by Ambassador to the Russian Federation Faisal Niaz Tirmizi. During his remarks, he presented a detailed account of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at facilitating Islamabad Talks.

The ambassador said the SCO remained an important forum for promoting regional peace, security and cooperation, while also carrying influence in regional and international affairs. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the organisation’s objectives and principles, as well as to the UN Charter and international law.

He also underscored the need to intensify coordinated efforts to counter terrorism, extremism and illicit narcotics trafficking, while ensuring comprehensive security and sustainable development in the SCO region and beyond.

Focus on regional coordination

The Moscow consultations were aimed at aligning the positions of SCO member states on international initiatives and regional security matters. The meeting examined ways to improve cooperation so the organisation could better address evolving threats.

Pakistan’s intervention highlighted the importance it attaches to the SCO as a multilateral platform for cooperation on security and development issues. The ambassador’s remarks linked Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement with the broader objective of strengthening regional stability through dialogue and coordinated action.

Special emphasis during the consultations was placed on modernising the SCO’s mechanisms in order to meet contemporary challenges more effectively. These discussions formed part of wider efforts by member states to strengthen the organisation’s role in the region.

Meetings with delegations

On the sidelines of the consultations, Ambassador Tirmizi held a brief meeting with the heads of delegations from Russia, Belarus, Tajikistan, China and Kyrgyzstan.

Those interactions focused on key issues related to cooperation within the SCO framework.

The Moscow meeting brought together representatives of SCO member states at a time when regional security and coordination remain central to the organisation’s agenda. Pakistan used the forum to reiterate its support for the SCO’s stated principles and to press for a more unified response to shared security threats.