SCO coordinators gather in Islamabad for pre-summit talks

The National Coordinators from Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member countries began their critical meeting in Islamabad today, set to continue until October 14.

This assembly brings together representatives from all member states, including India, to lay the groundwork for the upcoming Heads of Government meeting, scheduled for October 15 to 17 in the federal capital.

The coordinators are focused on finalizing the agenda, reviewing essential documents, and managing logistics for the Heads of Government conference. With at least 12 agenda points, discussions will center on enhancing regional cooperation, promoting socio-economic development, and boosting economic growth, while deliberately avoiding bilateral disputes to maintain a non-political focus.

A key outcome will be a joint declaration summarizing the discussions and commitments made by member countries, outlining the SCO’s strategic priorities.

As the meeting progresses, anticipation builds for the high-level discussions scheduled to commence on October 15, underscoring the importance of preparation leading up to this significant event.

PM inspects arrangements ahead of main conference

Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad to review the arrangements for the SCO Heads of Government meeting, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) reported.

The prime minister was briefed by the Chairman of CDA and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and other senior officials also accompanied the Prime Minister.

Shehbaz was reported to have expressed satisfaction with the arrangements for the SCO Heads of Government meeting.

Islamabad has geared up to host the SCO summit on October 15-16.

The summit will bring together high-profile leaders, including Russia’s Prime Minister Mikhail Vladimirovich and China’s Prime Minister Li Qiang. India’s participation, led by External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, adds a notable diplomatic element to the event.