Pakistan to Host SCO Heads of Govt Summit in October: FO

APP

Islamabad: Pakistan is set to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of Government meeting in October this year, as announced by Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch during her recent press briefing. 

Prior to the summit, there will be ministerial meetings and senior officials’ sessions aimed at enhancing cooperation in finance, economics, socio-cultural affairs, and humanitarian efforts among SCO member states. 

This year marks a significant milestone for Pakistan within the SCO, as it assumes the rotational Chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of Government, a pivotal decision-making body within the organization.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and senior cabinet members have recently engaged in diplomatic visits to Kazakhstan for the SCO Council of Heads of State and SCO Plus Summits, as well as to Tajikistan for bilateral discussions.

During these visits, Pakistan’s participation in the inaugural Pakistan-Azerbaijan-Turkey Trilateral Summit in Astana and efforts to strengthen comprehensive cooperation with Tajikistan were highlighted. 

A Strategic Partnership Agreement was signed between Pakistan and Tajikistan during these interactions, emphasizing high-level dialogues involving leaders and Foreign Ministers.

Additionally, Pakistan has extended humanitarian support to medical students from Gaza by allowing them to pursue their medical education in Pakistan. 

This decision, directed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, aims to address critical healthcare needs in Gaza, focusing on specialties such as cardiology, orthopedics, oncology, pediatrics, and surgery.

Regarding international reports on religious freedom, the spokesperson criticized unilateral assessments for potential political bias and incomplete portrayals. She underscored Pakistan’s efforts to uphold religious minority protections and hold perpetrators accountable for incidents highlighted in such reports.

On the issue of Kashmir, the spokesperson condemned what she described as India’s relentless campaign to suppress dissent in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

She highlighted the case of Mian Abdul Qayoom, a prominent Kashmiri lawyer, and called for the release of Kashmiri political prisoners and human rights defenders.

Furthermore, she discussed recent exchanges of prisoners between Pakistan and India under the Consular Access Agreement of 2008, emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to addressing humanitarian matters, including repatriation efforts for prisoners on both sides.

Ambassador Asif Ali Khan Durrani, Pakistan’s Special Representative on Afghanistan, participated in the Doha-III meeting of Special Envoys on Afghanistan.

He presented Pakistan’s perspective on Afghanistan’s current situation, emphasizing support for economic stability and addressing security threats emanating from TTP-led activities in Afghan sanctuaries.