The 26th Session of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was an important step in the diplomatic process in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was at this regional forum of high-level leaders to engage in discussions on regional peace, trade and economic cooperation. The Prime Minister and the heads of state of his world counterparts have made an official signing of the SCO joint declaration (the Bishkek Declaration), thus establishing a common vision for multi-sectoral cooperation.
Signing of the Bishkek Declaration and Key Objectives
The dignitaries from the high-profile summit, which was held at the Ala-Archa State Residence, were hosted by President Sadyr Japarov of the Kyrgyz Republic, the leaders of the other countries included Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The recently signed joint declaration of the SCO is a strategic map that aims to address contemporary global and economic challenges.
Under this agreement, the member states have agreed to:
Improve multilateral trade and remove trade obstacles across borders.
Improve the ability of collective security institutions to address terrorist, separatist and extremist threats.
Promote greater regional transport links.
Create coordinated action plans to respond to global climate change and sustainable energy transitions.
Prime Minister @CMShehbaz has reaffirmed Pakistan's solemn resolve and commitment to realise the true potential of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization#SCO_CHS@PakPMO#News #RadioPakistanhttps://t.co/KId4mJwvZ7 pic.twitter.com/fatqCBiGJT
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) September 1, 2026
A Major Diplomatic Win: Pakistan Assumes SCO Chairmanship
The Bishkek Summit was not just a political milestone but a momentous achievement for Pakistan on the international stage, following the signing of the SCO joint declaration. At the end of the meeting, Pakistan took over the Chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State for the year 2026-2027.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed Pakistan’s readiness to be in charge of the organization in the coming year from the point it has taken over from Kyrgyzstan. This chairmanship is a golden opportunity for Pakistan to influence the economic and security agenda of the Eurasian region, which will also be hosted by Islamabad for the next mega SCO Heads of State Summit in 2027.
PM Shehbaz Sharif’s Core Address and Side-Line Diplomacy
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his speech to the council, reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to the “Shanghai Spirit” and presented a strong national narrative. He said that security in Eurasia is intricately linked to economic integration and respect for national sovereignty. Pointing out Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change induced disasters, the Prime Minister called upon developed countries to provide financial assistance to the developing countries for climate change adaptation.
During the margins of the summit, PM Sharif participated in fruitful bilateral talks with a number of top leaders across the globe including the Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. These talks emphasised diversifying bilateral trade, running energy pipeline projects and strengthening cooperation on border security.
The realization of the joint declaration by the SCO demonstrates the mutual consensus on the need to move towards a multipolar world, where Pakistan is playing a key role in regional diplomacy for the upcoming year.
