Terrorist groups in Afghanistan: SCO underscores need of joint efforts to curb threat

ISLAMABAD: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has noted with concern the threat posed by terrorist groups in Afghanistan and underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation and undertaking joint efforts to counter this threat.

Pakistan, which currently holds the chairmanship of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the SCO, chaired a meeting of the Council of the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO-RATS) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the Foreign Office said in a statement on Friday.

The Council held detailed deliberations on matters of mutual interest. During the meeting, issues related to regional security were discussed, and a number of reporting documents on the activities of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization were agreed upon for submission to the Council of Heads of Member States of the SCO.

The Council expressed concern over developments in the Middle East and stressed the need to resolve the conflict through dialogue and mutual respect, in accordance with international law.

It was agreed that the next meeting of the SCO-RATS Council will be held in September 2026 in Pakistan, the FO statement added.

Since assuming the Chair in September 2025, Pakistan has steered SCO-RATS in a professional manner, prioritising shared objectives and guided by the Shanghai spirit of mutual trust, equality, and shared responsibility to foster regional cooperation against terrorism and extremism.

Under its chairmanship, the FO highlighted Pakistan has hosted multiple events and activities across key domains, including joint information operations, border security, and cyberspace.

As a frontline state in combating terrorism, Pakistan continues to make unparalleled sacrifices to ensure the safety and security not only of its own people but also of the region and beyond. 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 further underscored.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026