Key Takeaways
- Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar called on the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to hold the Afghan Taliban accountable.
- More than 560 Pakistanis have been killed in over 2,000 terrorist incidents this year alone, mostly from Afghan soil.
- Pakistan facilitated and hosted talks between Iran and the United States leading to the signing of the Islamabad MoU.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has urged the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to hold the Afghan Taliban accountable for their role in terrorism, warning that such activities continue to pose a significant security threat to the region. Addressing the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Cholpon-Ata, Dar highlighted the ongoing issue of terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory and their involvement in attacks on Pakistani soil.
In his speech, Dar stated, 'More than 560 Pakistanis have been killed in over 2,000 terrorist incidents this year alone,' emphasizing the severity of the situation. He also noted that Afghan nationals had been involved in some of these attacks, further underlining the need for regional cooperation to address the issue.
Pakistan has consistently sought a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, with Deputy Prime Minister Dar stating, 'Our region is passing through an eventful time. It has always been, and continues to be, Pakistan’s desire to see a peaceful, stable, regionally integrated and prosperous Afghanistan.'
The foreign minister also highlighted the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts, pointing out that Pakistan had facilitated and hosted the Islamabad Talks between Iran and the United States in April 2026. This led to the first high-level direct diplomatic engagement between the two countries in 47 years and culminated in the signing of the Islamabad MoU.
Dar called for the international community to seize this opportunity created by the Islamabad MoU and ongoing technical negotiations to pursue a permanent and peaceful settlement of the conflict, adding that vigilance was necessary against those seeking to undermine regional stability. He warned, 'Such actors will exploit every opportunity to derail the peace process and reverse the progress achieved.'
Turning to the SCO, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the organisation's objectives, noting its journey from observer status in 2005 to full membership in 2017 as a reflection of its steadfast commitment to multilateralism. He also highlighted that Pakistan currently chairs the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO-RATS) for 2025-26 and looks forward to assuming the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State later this year before hosting the SCO summit in Pakistan in 2027.
In conclusion, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s call for regional cooperation against terrorism underscores the ongoing challenges faced by South Asian nations. The SCO's role in mediating and addressing these issues is crucial for ensuring lasting peace and stability in the region.
More than 560 Pakistanis have been killed in over 2,000 terrorist incidents this year alone.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Foreign Minister
'Our region is passing through an eventful time. It has always been, and continues to be, Pakistan’s desire to see a peaceful, stable, regionally integrated and prosperous Afghanistan.'
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Foreign Minister
'At the same time, we must remain vigilant against those who seek to undermine regional stability. Such actors will exploit every opportunity to derail the peace process and reverse the progress achieved.'
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Foreign Minister
