SCO members to meet in Islamabad from Sept 28-30 to discuss activities under Pakistan's chairmanship

National coordinators of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) are scheduled to convene in Islamabad from September 28 to 30. This meeting will revolve around discussing the program of activities under Pakistan's chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State (CHS) for 2026-27. The gathering will be headed by the national coordinator representing Pakistan, alongside counterparts from SCO member states and SCO Secretariat representatives.

The agenda includes a wide range of topics concerning SCO cooperation and coordination, with a particular focus on the activities planned under Pakistan's leadership. Pakistan's chairmanship aims to enhance connectivity, promote innovation, bolster economic cooperation, and strengthen interpersonal ties among member states. The primary goal is to transform the collective vision into practical, mutually advantageous initiatives.

Pakistan will collaborate closely with all SCO members and the SCO Secretariat to advance these goals and further reinforce cooperation. This meeting represents a crucial initial step under Pakistan's chairmanship and will aid in preparations for various high-level engagements and activities during the term, such as the SCO CHS meeting hosted by Pakistan in August 2027.

Pakistan took on the CHS chairmanship during a Kyrgyzstan summit in September 2026. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized an "excellent plan" that prioritizes sectors like IT, AI, energy development, poverty reduction, disaster management, health, culture, and sports, advocating for the transformation of SCO vision into action and progress.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has opened bids for upgrading the Jinnah Convention Centre and constructing a new block for the SCO summit next year. Efforts are underway to ensure 4,000 high-standard hotel rooms in Islamabad for the SCO meeting, with the CDA encouraging new hotel constructions and renovations to meet international standards.

In July, Pakistan hosted the 12th meeting of the SCO heads of border services, and Islamabad currently chairs SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO-RATS).