DNA
Bishkek/Islamabad – Aug 31 – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrived in the Kyrgyz Republic today for a three-day official visit (August 31 – September 2, 2026) at the invitation of President Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Zhaparov. The visit marks a significant milestone in Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan bilateral ties and regional diplomacy, as the Prime Minister is also set to assume the Chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State for the 2026–2027 term.
The Prime Minister is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Minister for Communication Abdul Aleem Khan, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar, and other senior officials.
SCO Summit and World Nomad Games
During his stay in Bishkek, Prime Minister Sharif will participate in the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting and the SCO Plus Summit, where he will take over the rotating chairmanship of the organisation. On the sidelines, he is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with leaders of participating countries, focusing on strengthening regional cooperation, connectivity, and counter-terrorism efforts.
In a cultural highlight, the Prime Minister will also attend the opening ceremony of the World Nomad Games on August 31, celebrating the shared nomadic heritage of Central Asian nations.
Bilateral Talks to Deepen Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan Relations
On September 2, Prime Minister Sharif will hold comprehensive bilateral discussions with President Zhaparov. The two leaders will review the entire spectrum of Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan relations and explore ways to enhance cooperation in key areas, including:
- Trade and investment
- Energy and regional connectivity
- Education and tourism
- People-to-people exchanges
The discussions will also cover regional and international developments of mutual interest, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to peace, connectivity, and shared prosperity in Central and South Asia.
A Partnership Rooted in Shared History
In a pre-departure statement, the Prime Minister described Pakistan and the Kyrgyz Republic as “warm and fraternal nations,” bound by shared history, faith, and cultural affinity. He expressed optimism that the visit would “translate political goodwill into practical cooperation” and further solidify the enduring partnership between the two countries.
The visit is expected to produce several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements aimed at boosting bilateral trade, which currently stands below its true potential, and enhancing regional connectivity through initiatives like the Trans-Afghan railway project and improved air links.
The Prime Minister will return to Islamabad on September 3, following the conclusion of his engagements.
