ISLAMABAD – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar yesterday chaired a high-level meeting to review preparations for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State Summit, which Pakistan is scheduled to host in Islamabad next year. The meeting reviewed progress on various aspects of the arrangements for the summit, with the deputy prime minister emphasizing the need for close coordination among the relevant ministries, government departments and other concerned authorities to ensure comprehensive and timely preparations. Ishaq Dar directed the officials concerned to advance all preparatory work in a coordinated manner, stressing that the arrangements should be completed within the stipulated timelines. He underscored the importance of sustained interdepartmental cooperation to ensure the smooth organization of the high-level international event. Highlighting significance of the summit, the deputy prime minister said Pakistan’s preparations should reflect the country’s tradition of warm hospitality and its commitment to promoting cooperation among member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
The summit is expected to provide an important platform for leaders of SCO member states to engage on matters of mutual interest and strengthen regional cooperation through dialogue and collective engagement.
The meeting was attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, Secretary Defence, the Acting Foreign Secretary, Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The participants reviewed the progress made so far and discussed the need for continued coordination among the relevant institutions as preparations move forward for hosting the summit in Islamabad.
