PM Shehbaz Proposes SCO Sovereign AI Framework at Bishkek Summit
Prime minister proposes an SCO-wide sovereign AI framework, stronger regional connectivity and development cooperation as Pakistan assumes chairmanship of the Council of Heads of State for 2026–27.
BISHKEK: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday called on Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member states to prioritise cooperation, dialogue and regional connectivity as Pakistan prepares to lead the SCO Council of Heads of State for 2026–27.
Addressing the 26th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in Bishkek, the prime minister said the organisation should translate its growing regional influence into practical progress through connectivity, energy cooperation, technology, poverty reduction, healthcare and sports.
Pakistan is assuming the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State for 2026–27 during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s three-day visit to Kyrgyzstan.
Pakistan Proposes SCO Sovereign AI Framework
A major technology initiative outlined by the prime minister was the proposed establishment of an SCO Sovereign AI Infrastructure and Governance Framework, aimed at promoting responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence development while strengthening the digital capabilities of member states.
The proposal places AI and digital cooperation alongside physical connectivity as a key component of Pakistan’s planned SCO agenda.
Shehbaz also announced that Pakistan would host the Global Resilience Expo 2026–27 in Islamabad, with a focus on improving regional disaster preparedness, early-warning mechanisms and response coordination.
On connectivity, the prime minister highlighted the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a potential gateway connecting regional economies with the Arabian Sea. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for trans-regional railway links, road networks and regional energy projects.
Shehbaz called for implementation of the SCO Development Strategy until 2035 and backed the proposed SCO Development Bank as an important mechanism for supporting the organisation’s longer-term economic objectives.
He also emphasised Pakistan’s role as permanent chair of the SCO Special Working Group on Poverty Reduction, saying Islamabad would continue supporting initiatives aimed at social protection and inclusive development.
Turning to broader regional issues, the prime minister argued that shared water resources should not be used for political pressure and said international agreements governing shared waters should be respected.
He also reiterated Pakistan’s concerns over regional security and cross-border militancy, while highlighting the country’s counter-terrorism record and its role in the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure.
On the Middle East, Shehbaz called for international efforts to support Palestinians and reiterated the principle of self-determination.
The prime minister described the present international environment as one of geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation, climate pressures and rapid technological transformation, arguing that these challenges strengthened the case for greater cooperation among SCO members.
The Bishkek summit brought together leaders of the organisation’s member states. Shehbaz also held informal interactions with several participating leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
At the conclusion of the summit, Prime Minister Shehbaz signed the joint declaration of the SCO Council of Heads of State.
