Pakistan Reaffirms Commitment to SCO Cultural Cooperation, Prepares for 2027 Chairmanship
Islamabad, July 15: Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, met with the Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), H.E. Mr. Nurlan Yermekbayev, at the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture to discuss enhanced cultural cooperation and Pakistan’s preparations for its upcoming leadership role within the regional bloc.
Welcoming the Secretary-General and his delegation, the Minister appreciated their visit to Pakistan and reaffirmed the country’s steadfast commitment to the principles and objectives of the SCO. He underscored Pakistan’s growing engagement within the Organization and highlighted that Pakistan is expected to assume the SCO Chairmanship in 2027, during which it will host the 24th Meeting of the SCO Ministers of Culture.
The Minister also briefed the Secretary-General on Pakistan’s proposal to designate Lahore as the SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026–27. He said extensive preparations are underway to organize a year-long calendar of cultural events in Lahore, complemented by major programmes in Islamabad and Karachi. Four flagship cultural events are planned in Lahore, alongside a series of exhibitions, performances, and heritage activities. Embassies and Consulates of SCO Member States in Pakistan will also be invited to participate through cultural performances, exhibitions, and the involvement of cultural troupes.
Inviting the Secretary-General and SCO member countries to participate in the annual Lok Virsa Folk Festival in Islamabad in November 2026, the Minister emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to promoting cultural diplomacy and regional connectivity through shared heritage.
Mr. Khichi proposed the establishment of an SCO Museum Cooperation Network, an SCO Archaeology Cooperation Programme, a Digital Heritage Platform, a Youth Cultural Exchange Programme, and a Heritage Tourism Initiative highlighting the Gandhara civilization and the historic Silk Road.
Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev welcomed Pakistan’s initiatives and briefed the Minister on the SCO’s expanding cooperation in culture, tourism, trade, and people-to-people exchanges. He reaffirmed the SCO Secretariat’s full support for Pakistan’s forthcoming Chairmanship and encouraged the country to introduce innovative cultural initiatives that would further strengthen regional cooperation and deepen ties among member states.
