PM Shehbaz Sharif Attends SCO Summit in Kyrgyzstan, Strengthens Ties

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif landed in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Monday, marking the start of a three‑day official visit that will include the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit and a series of bilateral engagements. The trip was arranged at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Zhaparov, and the Pakistani leader was welcomed at Manas International Airport by Kyrgyzstan’s Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Adylbek Kasymaliev.

Shehbaz Sharif will address the SCO summit from August 31 to September 2, presenting Pakistan’s positions on a range of regional and global issues. The prime minister also assumes Pakistan’s chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State for the 2026‑2027 term, a role that will shape the organization’s agenda for the next two years.

The Pakistani delegation is led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, Communication Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar, and a group of senior officials. Together they will participate in the SCO Plus Summit and other multilateral sessions, while also engaging in side meetings with leaders of other participating states.

On the sidelines of the SCO activities, the prime minister will attend the opening ceremony of the World Nomad Games on August 31, a cultural event that underscores the region’s shared heritage. He will also hold a series of bilateral meetings with Kyrgyz leaders, aiming to strengthen ties across several sectors.

On September 2, Shehbaz Sharif will meet President Zhaparov to review the full spectrum of Pakistan‑Kyrgyzstan relations. Discussions will cover trade and investment, energy cooperation, regional connectivity projects, educational exchanges, tourism development, and people‑to‑people contacts. Both sides will also exchange views on regional security and international developments that affect Central and South Asia.

The two nations share a history of fraternal relations rooted in common faith, cultural affinity, and a shared vision for peace and prosperity in the region. Leaders have repeatedly highlighted the importance of deepening economic and strategic partnerships, especially through initiatives like the China‑Pakistan Economic Corridor and Central Asian trade corridors.

The visit is seen as a critical opportunity to convert recent high‑level exchanges into tangible outcomes. By consolidating goodwill, the leaders aim to accelerate joint projects, increase bilateral trade, and expand cooperation in sectors such as renewable energy and digital infrastructure. The momentum generated by this trip could reinforce Pakistan’s role as a key partner for Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian republics.

Overall, the trip underscores Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with Central Asian partners, while reinforcing its leadership position within the SCO framework. The outcomes of the bilateral talks and multilateral engagements are expected to shape the trajectory of Pakistan‑Kyrgyzstan cooperation for years to come.

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