Government Proposes Tax on Social Media Earnings
June 16, 2026
Pakistan will chair the SCO Council of Heads of State from September and host the next summit in 2027, marking a major milestone in its regional engagement.
Pakistan will take over the chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) Council of Heads of State in September and is expected to host the bloc’s next summit in 2027, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on the organisation’s 25th anniversary.
In a message issued by the Foreign Office, Dar described the upcoming role as a sign of the confidence that SCO members have placed in Pakistan’s ability to contribute to regional cooperation and multilateral engagement.
Reflecting on the organisation’s evolution over the past quarter century, he said the SCO has developed into an important platform for dialogue and collaboration in areas ranging from security and economic partnerships to regional connectivity and cultural interaction.
The foreign minister said Pakistan’s journey within the organisation has progressed considerably since it gained full membership in 2017, having previously participated as an observer. He noted that Islamabad has consistently supported collective approaches to regional challenges and believes cooperation among neighbouring countries can unlock shared opportunities.
According to Dar, Pakistan intends to use its tenure to encourage practical initiatives that can deepen commercial links, improve regional integration and strengthen exchanges among the people of member countries.
He also highlighted Islamabad’s previous contributions to the organisation’s activities. Pakistan hosted a meeting of the SCO’s heads of government in Islamabad and currently leads the organisation’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure for the 2025-26 term. The country additionally chairs an SCO working group dedicated to poverty reduction efforts.
Referring to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Dar said large-scale connectivity projects have the potential to increase trade flows and strengthen economic cooperation across the wider region.
The deputy prime minister further reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for joint efforts against terrorism, separatism and extremism. He also welcomed initiatives aimed at advancing digital development, enhancing energy cooperation and expanding the use of local currencies in financial transactions among member states.
“We envision a prosperous future built on social cohesion and mutual respect,” Dar said.
Established in 2001, the SCO has gradually expanded beyond its original security-focused mandate and now addresses a broad range of economic and development issues. The organisation currently comprises 10 member states, while Afghanistan and Mongolia participate as observers.
Pakistan’s assumption of the chairmanship later this year is expected to place the country in a prominent position within the regional grouping as discussions continue on connectivity, economic integration and shared development priorities.
