Islamabad: Pakistan has formally assumed the Chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) for the upcoming year. In a post on social media platform X, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Pakistan would lead its Chairmanship under the theme: "Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity."

According to Radio Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended congratulations to the Kyrgyz Republic for successfully hosting the Summit and leading the Organization with distinction. He expressed his honor in addressing the SCO Council of Heads of State Meeting held in Bishkek.

Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the significance of the SCO, noting that under the guidance of the Shanghai Spirit, the organization has evolved over the past 25 years into a crucial forum for regional cooperation. Emphasizing Pakistan's sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, he reiterated the need for terrorism to be condemned in all its forms and manifestations.

The Prime Minister also addressed the importance of water resources, urging the SCO family to ensure that water is not weaponized and that binding treaties governing shared waters are respected in both letter and spirit. He expressed confidence that the SCO would continue to strengthen and positively impact the lives of its more than three billion people.