PM Shehbaz heads to Kyrgyzstan for key SCO summit talks
PM Shehbaz begins three-day Kyrgyzstan visit
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has left Islamabad for a three-day official visit to Kyrgyzstan to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Heads of State meeting.
The visit will continue from August 31 to September 2. He is travelling to Kyrgyzstan at the invitation of President Sadyr Zhaparov.
During his stay in Bishkek, the prime minister will represent Pakistan at key SCO meetings and present Islamabad’s position on important regional and international matters.
Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan and Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar are accompanying the prime minister.
The Prime Minister’s Office said the visit will include both multilateral SCO engagements and meetings with leaders from participating countries.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif departs for Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan for his three day official visit. pic.twitter.com/3MKvceIGyd
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) August 31, 2026
Pakistan set to assume SCO chairmanship
One of the major developments during the visit will be Pakistan assuming the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State for 2026-27.
Pakistan will also host the next Council of Heads of State summit in Islamabad. The new role is expected to give Pakistan an opportunity to highlight regional connectivity, economic cooperation and other shared priorities.
PM Shehbaz will participate in the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting as well as the SCO Plus Summit.
He is also scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan.
The SCO is marking its 25th anniversary this year, with around a dozen world leaders expected to gather in Bishkek for the summit.
The organisation currently has 10 member states: Pakistan, China, Russia, India, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Afghanistan and Mongolia have observer status in the organisation.
Bilateral talks with Kyrgyz president planned
PM Shehbaz is also scheduled to hold detailed talks with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov on September 2.
The two leaders are expected to review the full range of Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan relations and discuss ways to increase cooperation between the two countries.
Trade and investment are expected to be among the key areas of discussion. Energy, regional connectivity, education, tourism and people-to-people contacts will also be discussed.
The leaders are also likely to exchange views on regional and international developments.
Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have described their relationship as friendly and based on shared history, cultural links and common interests.
The Foreign Office said the visit could help turn political goodwill between the two countries into stronger practical cooperation.
🔊PR No.2️⃣3️⃣0️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 31, 2026
Curtain Raiser: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif's Official Visit to the Kyrgyz Republic (31 August-2 September, 2026)
🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/d81CV1kGdI
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What Pakistan hopes to achieve
The SCO summit gives Pakistan a wider platform to engage with major regional powers.
The country’s upcoming chairmanship could also allow Islamabad to focus attention on economic links, regional connectivity and cooperation among member states.
PM Shehbaz’s bilateral meetings may provide opportunities to discuss trade, investment and other areas where Pakistan wants stronger regional partnerships.
The visit also comes as Central Asia remains increasingly important for Pakistan’s plans to improve trade routes and economic connections.
