ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has assumed the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), a move described by the Foreign Office (FO) as a recognition of Islamabad’s consistent role in the fight against terrorism and regional peacebuilding.
In a statement on Wednesday, the FO said the development reflects the trust of SCO member states in Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts. RATS, a permanent SCO body, coordinates intelligence sharing, counterterrorism strategies, and joint security initiatives among member nations. Its mandate is rooted in combating what the bloc calls the “Three Evils” terrorism, separatism, and extremism.
As chair of RATS, Pakistan will be hosting several high-level events focusing on cyber counterterrorism, border security, information operations, capacity building, and efforts to block terror financing. “In its capacity as the Chair of SCO-RATS, Pakistan will work to foster regional cooperation against terrorism, in line with the Shanghai Spirit of mutual trust, equality and shared responsibility,” the FO statement read.
Officials noted that Pakistan, having endured heavy sacrifices in the war against terror, remains committed to advancing regional and global security. Islamabad’s new role at SCO also comes alongside its responsibilities as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2025–26, where counterterrorism remains a key agenda item.
Meanwhile, the FO also briefed on the recent visit of Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler, who led his delegation to the 16th session of the Pakistan-Turkiye Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) in Islamabad. The three-day trip included meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, and Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir.
During the talks, both sides reaffirmed their resolve to expand cooperation in defence and security, while also reviewing progress on trade, investment, energy, agriculture, IT, and cultural exchanges. The JMC, co-chaired by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Minister Güler, underlined a roadmap to strengthen collaboration across multiple sectors, including pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, mining, and tourism.
Officials said the visit helped both countries take stock of ongoing projects while reinforcing the commitment to transform their historic friendship into a deeper, multifaceted partnership.
