Pakistan on Wednesday assumed the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO-RATS), marking a significant acknowledgment of its contributions toward regional peace and security. The Foreign Office said this development reflects the confidence of SCO member states in Pakistan’s dedicated role in combating terrorism.
SCO-RATS serves as a permanent body focused on coordinating counterterrorism, counterintelligence and intelligence-sharing among member states, with the objective of tackling the “Three Evils” — terrorism, separatism and religious extremism. Pakistan, as chair, pledged to foster stronger regional cooperation under the “Shanghai Spirit” of mutual trust, equality and shared responsibility.
Islamabad will host initiatives on cyber counterterrorism, border security, terrorist financing and capacity-building to enhance collaboration among SCO members. The Foreign Office reaffirmed that Pakistan, as a frontline state in the fight against terrorism, has made unparalleled sacrifices to ensure regional stability.
The statement further noted Pakistan’s responsibilities as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2025–26, vowing to advance global counterterrorism efforts in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.
