Dar reaffirms commitment to advancing SCO’s objectives ahead of Pakistan's 2026 Chairmanship

• Deputy PM meets SCO secretary-general, expressing readiness to work closely with all member states

• SCO secretary-general praises Islamabad's role in advancing regional peace and cooperation

• FM pledges continued support for OCHA, highlights humanitarian crisis in occupied Palestinian territory

• To sign WAICO founding agreement during Shanghai visit on behalf of Pakistan

• Dar to hold talks with Wang Yi, attend World AI Conference and Global AI Governance meeting

 ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to advancing the objectives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), expressing readiness to work closely with all member states ahead of Pakistan assuming the Chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State (CHS) in September 2026, according the Foreign Office (FO).

Separately, DPM/FM Dar also pledged continued support for global humanitarian efforts led by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and is set to visit China this week to participate in the establishment of a new global artificial intelligence organization as a founding member.

During a meeting with Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Nurlan Yermekbayev in Islamabad, the deputy prime minister expressed Pakistan’s readiness to work closely with all SCO Member States and reaffirmed the country’s strong commitment to advancing the organization’s objectives, said the FO in a statement on X.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 today received the Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Nurlan Yermekbayev.

The two sides held a productive exchange on the SCO priorities and ways to further strengthen… pic.twitter.com/kerTmyAN0l

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 15, 2026

Looking ahead to Pakistan assuming the Chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State (CHS) in September 2026 and hosting the SCO Summit in 2027, Dar said Islamabad remained committed to deepening cooperation among member countries and ensuring the successful conduct of the organization’s upcoming engagements.

The two sides held a productive exchange on SCO priorities and discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation in key sectors, including economy, transport and regional connectivity. They also exchanged views on important regional and international developments.

Secretary-General Yermekbayev commended Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional peace, stability and cooperation. He also shared his proposals for enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the SCO and briefed the deputy prime minister on preparations for the forthcoming SCO Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Pakistan’s Commitment To Continue Support For Humanitarian Work

In a separate meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to continue supporting the humanitarian work of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), particularly its efforts to address the worsening humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Talking to UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, Dar appreciated OCHA’s vital role in delivering humanitarian assistance to populations affected by disasters and conflicts around the world.

The UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. Tom Fletcher, called on the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 today.

DPM/FM appreciated the role of the Office for the Coordination of… pic.twitter.com/qRgSOOjvns

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 15, 2026

He also acknowledged the organization’s valuable support to Pakistan during climate-induced disasters, including its assistance in strengthening the country’s humanitarian response.

Tom Fletcher appreciated Pakistan’s longstanding contributions to the United Nations and commended its continued efforts to promote regional peace and stability, describing them as important for addressing humanitarian challenges.

Fm Dar Visits China For Signing Ceremony Of Waico

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office announced that, at the invitation of Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will undertake an official visit to Shanghai from July 16 to 17.

According to the Foreign Office, Dar will attend the signing ceremony on July 16 for the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) and will sign the founding agreement on behalf of Pakistan, making the country one of the organization's founding members.

🔈 PR No. 1️⃣7️⃣2️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣

Curtain Raiser: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister to Attend Signing Ceremony for the Establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) in Shanghai, China

🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/I5ZvqaAPnG

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 15, 2026

On July 17, he will participate in the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and attend the high-level meeting on Global AI Governance.

On the sidelines of the conference, Dar is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in addition to meetings with other foreign counterparts to discuss issues of mutual interest.

During his engagements, the deputy prime minister will present Pakistan’s vision for strengthening international cooperation in artificial intelligence, with particular emphasis on addressing the priorities and development needs of the Global South.

He is also expected to underscore the importance of narrowing the global AI divide, promoting equitable access to AI technologies, expanding capacity-building initiatives, and ensuring that the benefits of artificial intelligence contribute to sustainable development and shared prosperity worldwide.