Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to mediating between the United States and Iran, stressing that regional conflicts must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy rather than war.
Addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government, Dar also called for stronger economic cooperation, increased investment and improved regional connectivity, describing the organisation as a key platform for shared prosperity and sustainable growth.
Dar said Pakistan was actively making efforts to facilitate mediation between Washington and Tehran and would continue working towards regional peace. He emphasised that negotiations, rather than the use of force, offered the way forward in resolving regional disputes.
He said Pakistan remained committed to peace and diplomacy, reiterating that lasting solutions to conflicts could only be achieved through dialogue and constructive engagement.
The deputy prime minister also highlighted the importance of the SCO in promoting regional cooperation, collective security, shared prosperity and economic development.
Pakistan’s commitment to Shanghai Spirit
Dar said Pakistan’s membership in the SCO reflected its commitment to the organisation’s “Shanghai Spirit”, which is founded on mutual trust, mutual respect and respect for diversity.
He noted that the organisation had expanded its scope beyond traditional security cooperation to include trade, infrastructure, culture and innovation. According to Dar, the SCO has developed into a representative international body encompassing more than 40% of the world’s population.
He added that the organisation had provided a strong foundation for regional peace, collective security and connectivity across Eurasia, making it an important platform for cooperation among member states.
Investment in energy, transport, key economic sectors
Dar stressed that targeted investment in the energy and transport sectors was crucial to strengthening economic integration across the SCO region. He said Pakistan supported increased investment in agriculture, mining, minerals and information technology, identifying these sectors as important areas for deeper economic cooperation and development.
The deputy prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to implementing the SCO’s agenda and working with member states to strengthen regional connectivity, trade and economic partnerships.
Dar said the SCO region had the potential to emerge as a major hub for global economic growth, provided member states continued to deepen cooperation and expand investment.
He pointed to growing trade among member countries as evidence of the success of the organisation’s economic cooperation, saying stronger commercial ties could further support regional integration and shared prosperity.
He also highlighted the SCO’s potential to play a leading role in digital transformation and sustainable economic growth, urging continued collaboration to unlock the region’s economic opportunities.
Dar reiterated that Pakistan would continue working with SCO members to strengthen peace, expand trade and improve connectivity, while supporting dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred means of resolving regional conflicts.
