Pakistan calls for focus on innovation, deeper integration among SCO countries

Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan has urged the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to place greater emphasis on innovation, stronger regional links, and a more dynamic approach to cooperation as global and regional challenges evolve.

Speaking at the 24th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) in Moscow on Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called on member states to push forward with economic collaboration, broaden engagement with partner countries, and modernize the organisation’s overall structure.

Dar said the communique and documents endorsed at the summit would help steer the bloc toward shared development and stability. He noted that the SCO’s wide-ranging agenda—covering trade, economic ties, cultural exchanges, and humanitarian initiatives—reflects its maturity and forward-looking character.

Referring to the outcomes of the recent summit in Tianjin, the foreign minister said the organisation is moving toward a new phase of economic integration.

He highlighted expanded trade frameworks, improved connectivity, greater investment linkages, and the growing importance of digital economies as crucial drivers of long-term growth within the SCO region.

The deputy premier also emphasized the grouping’s untapped potential in humanitarian collaboration and emergency response.

Dar said Pakistan has developed a technologically equipped and proactive disaster management system, offering to hold simulation exercises with SCO partners to strengthen regional readiness.

Calling for more active interaction with observer and partner countries, he urged the SCO to shift away from what he termed “passive observation” and involve these states in specific, expertise-based projects.

Dar welcomed the inclusion of English as a working language and recommended the creation of translation units to help expand the organisation’s global reach.

He further presented a number of proposals to make cooperation more effective, including activating financial tools like the SCO Interbank Consortium and moving ahead with plans for an SCO Development Bank to support connectivity and technical initiatives.

Stressing the centrality of skilled human resources, Dar proposed widening the SCO University Network into a consortium centered on practical learning.

He said this would create opportunities for student exchanges and collaborative research in key areas such as information technology, artificial intelligence, agriculture, water management, and telemedicine.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s dedication to strengthening regional partnerships, DPM Dar said that the country envisions the SCO as a platform that fuels collective progress through stronger innovation, better connectivity, and deeper economic integration.