23rd SCO summit begins at Jinnah Convention Center

ISLAMABAD: The 23rd Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is underway at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad, drawing a grand assembly of world leaders, top officials, and key delegates from all SCO member countries. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif opened the floor with his inauguratory speech.

The day kicked off with a flurry of arrivals as Islamabad remains under heightened security. Leading the procession of distinguished guests was SCO Secretary General Zhang Ming, whose presence sets the tone for the strategic discussions expected to unfold.

Indian foreign minister arrives in Islamabad for SCO Summit

Among the early arrivals was Iranian Minister of Industry Mohammad Atabak Noor Khan. Shortly thereafter, the President of Mongolia arrived, signalling the wide geographical scope of the summit, which aims to foster greater regional cooperation and address mutual challenges.

Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar’s arrival yesterday attracted significant attention, marking a critical moment in South Asian diplomacy, as the SCO remains a rare platform where India and Pakistan both participate.

Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Miredov, along with the leadership of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan have also arrived, with Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko of Belarus and Prime Minister Olzhas Isbek Tinov of Kazakhstan being warmly greeted by their Pakistani hosts.

Zhaparov Akilbek, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, was seen in discussions with counterparts, hinting at key bilateral talks on the sidelines.

23rd SCO Heads of State Council Meeting kicks off in Islamabad

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, representing one of the SCO’s founding nations, made a notable entrance.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally welcomed each leader upon arrival, along with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.

The summit’s agenda is set to focus on regional security, trade cooperation, energy resources, and shared strategies for combating terrorism.