ISLAMABAD: Pakistan assumed chairmanship of Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO-RATS) for 2025–26, pledging enhanced regional cooperation against terrorism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Wednesday.

The decision was made at the 44th meeting of the council in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyz Republic, where member states agreed to hand over the leadership to Pakistan.

“This is a reflection of the confidence of SCO member states in Pakistan’s dedicated efforts and contributions towards regional peace and security, particularly in combating terrorism,” the Foreign Office said in a statement.

FO added that Pakistan, in its new role, would “work towards fostering regional cooperation against terrorism, in line with shared priorities, guided by the Shanghai Spirit of mutual trust, equality, and shared responsibility.”

As chair, Pakistan said it will host events on “cyber counter-terrorism, information operations, border security, countering terrorist financing, and capacity-building to deepen collaboration.”

Pakistan has made 'unparalleled sacrifices'

FO also stressed Pakistan’s frontline role in the fight against terrorism, noting the country has “made unparalleled sacrifices to ensure safety and security not only of its own people but the region and beyond.”

The statement further underlined Pakistan’s role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2025-26, saying the country has been “entrusted with key responsibilities in the counterterrorism domain.”

“Pakistan will continue to work with international and regional partners to advance collective efforts against terrorism, in line with the principles of the SCO, international law and the United Nations Charter,” the statement said.

Despite frequent political frictions, particularly between Pakistan and India, that have limited SCO-RATS progress in past years, Islamabad reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation.

The RATS Council also endorsed plans for new expert groups and joint information campaigns against international terrorist organizations next year.

It condemned recent attacks in member states and voiced concern over strikes on civilian facilities and Iran’s nuclear energy infrastructure, echoing language in the Tianjin Declaration adopted at the 2025 SCO summit.

SCO succcessor to Shanghai Five

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance founded in 2001, evolving from the “Shanghai Five” grouping of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

Pakistan became a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in June 2017, after serving as an observer since 2005. Its participation underscores Islamabad’s strategic interest in regional peace, security, and economic integration.

The most recent summit was held in Tianjin, China, in September 2025, marking the 25th meeting of the Council of Heads of State. Key outcomes included Belarus’ admission as a full member, adoption of a 10-year development strategy, and the announcement of four security centers and an SCO development bank. Chinese President Xi Jinping also pledged billions in aid and training opportunities.

The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), based in Tashkent, was established to coordinate efforts against terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Its activities include intelligence sharing, building databases of banned groups, conducting joint drills, and facilitating extradition agreements.

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