Islamabad: Pakistan is prepare to take over the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) for a one year term following the two day SCO Council of Heads of State Summit commencing in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Monday.

Speaking at a weekly news briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi confirmed that Prime Minister Muhammad (PM) Shehbaz Sharif will attend the summit in Bishkek and hold bilateral meetings with the Kyrgyz leadership. He highlighted that the hallmark of Pakistan’s tenure will be hosting the SCO Summit in Islamabad next year.

Addressing relations with Afghanistan, Andrabi noted a proposal by the interim Afghan government's Interior Minister for a dedicated bilateral mechanism to address contentious issues. He stated that Pakistan remains open to dialogue at a state level, but stressed that the sustainability of any framework depends on tangible actions rather than assurances. He urged Kabul to honour its international commitments under the Doha framework and ensure Afghan soil is not used by hostile proxies, particularly the TTP and BLA, against Pakistan.

On trade with Iran, the spokesperson affirmed that Pakistan adheres to bilateral agreements in line with international obligations. He reiterated Pakistan’s opposition to unilateral sanctions outside the United Nations, describing such measures as counterproductive, and expressed a desire to expand robust bilateral trade. He added that the recent visit of the Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to Iran was undertaken in the context of Pakistan’s role as a mediator in Middle East tensions.

Responding to queries regarding claims by a former Indian military official concerning Kirana Hills near Sargodha, Andrabi rejected the statements, asserting that no strategic assets or sensitive infrastructure were compromised during events in May last year. He added that official operational records cannot be altered by selective narratives or retrospective claims.