Pakistan assumes SCO Chairmanship for 2027 

Bishkek (Web Desk): Pakistan has formally assumed the Chairmanship of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) for 2027.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Pakistan would steer the organisation around the theme, “Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity.”

In a message shared on X, the prime minister praised the Kyrgyz Republic for successfully convening the SCO summit and for guiding the organisation during its tenure.

PM Shehbaz said he was privileged to participate in and address the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting in Bishkek.

Today, I was honoured to address the SCO Council of Heads of State Meeting in Bishkek as Pakistan assumed the SCO Chairmanship for 2027. I congratulated the Kyrgyz Republic on successfully hosting the Summit and steering the Organization with distinction.

Guided by the Shanghai… pic.twitter.com/1mvRW85klD

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) September 1, 2026

Reflecting on the organisation’s evolution, the premier said the SCO had, over the last 25 years, established itself as an important mechanism for promoting cooperation among countries across the region under the guiding principles of the Shanghai Spirit.

He also drew attention to Pakistan’s considerable sacrifices in confronting terrorism and reaffirmed Islamabad’s position that terrorism in every form and manifestation must be firmly rejected.

Turning to the issue of water, PM Shehbaz stressed that the resource is essential to the region’s survival and development and should never be turned into a tool of political pressure.

He maintained that international agreements and binding treaties concerning shared water resources must be respected and implemented faithfully, both in their wording and intent.

The prime minister expressed optimism that the SCO would further strengthen its role in regional cooperation and deliver practical benefits to the more than three billion people living across its member states.