As ECO Chair, Pakistan Calls for Stronger Regional Integration

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan will use its chairmanship of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Council of Ministers for 2026-27 to strengthen regional cooperation, accelerate connectivity projects, and promote trade. Addressing an informal ECO meeting, Dar outlined priorities under the theme "Revitalizing Regional Cooperation for a Resilient ECO," noting the bloc represents around 500 million people but only 2.2% of global trade.

Economic Integration and Trade

Dar called for accelerating corridor projects connecting Central Asia with Arabian Sea ports, saying Pakistan is ready to serve as a gateway for the wider region. He also said Pakistan wants to make the ECO trade agreement more effective and advance the region's Free Trade Zone toward becoming operational and digital.

Climate and Regional Security

Dar highlighted climate change as threatening water security, agriculture, and livelihoods across the ECO region, calling for stronger cooperation on climate-resilient infrastructure. He said Pakistan remains committed to the peaceful resolution of conflicts and has undertaken diplomatic efforts with regional partners toward that goal.

Afghanistan and the TTP

Dar said terrorism originating from Afghan soil is undermining regional peace and stability, adding that Pakistan's sole expectation from the Taliban government is that it address Islamabad's legitimate security concerns through concrete, verifiable action against the TTP, BLA, and other militant groups. He noted Pakistan has facilitated bilateral and transit trade for Afghanistan as part of broader connectivity efforts.

The Railway Project

Dar highlighted the proposed Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway as a priority, saying Islamabad has prioritized signing its framework agreement to link Central Asian economies with Pakistan and Arabian Sea trade routes.