ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif left for Kyrgyzstan on Monday for a three-day visit focused on regional diplomacy, economic ties and Pakistan’s upcoming leadership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Shehbaz will be in Bishkek from Aug. 31 to Sept. 2 at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Zhaparov. He will attend the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting, address the summit and present Pakistan’s position on key regional and international issues, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
He will also participate in the SCO Plus Summit and assume Pakistan’s chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State for 2026-27, according to the Foreign Office.
The prime minister is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar and senior government officials.
Shehbaz is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with leaders attending the SCO meetings to discuss regional developments and areas of mutual interest.
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He will also attend the opening ceremony of the World Nomad Games on Monday.
Pakistan’s yearlong SCO chairmanship will provide an opportunity to promote cooperation among member states, particularly in trade, connectivity, economic development and regional stability.
During his meeting with Zhaparov on Sept. 2, Shehbaz will review the full range of Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan relations and discuss ways to expand bilateral cooperation.
Trade and investment, energy, regional connectivity, education, tourism and people-to-people exchanges are expected to be among the key areas of discussion.
The two leaders will also exchange views on regional and international developments and cooperation through regional and multilateral forums.
The Foreign Office said Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have close relations based on shared history, faith and cultural ties, with both countries seeking greater peace, connectivity and prosperity in Central and South Asia.
The visit follows recent high-level exchanges between Islamabad and Bishkek and is aimed at turning political goodwill into stronger practical cooperation.
For Pakistan, closer engagement with Kyrgyzstan is also part of its broader effort to strengthen links with Central Asia, expand trade opportunities and improve regional connectivity.
Shehbaz’s visit combines Pakistan’s diplomatic and economic priorities while positioning Islamabad to play a more active role in regional cooperation through its upcoming SCO chairmanship.
