Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, held a meeting with the Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), H.E. Mr. Nurlan Yermekbayev, at the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture on Wednesday. The meeting focused on strengthening cultural cooperation, promoting people-to-people exchanges, and advancing Pakistan's preparations for its forthcoming SCO Chairmanship.
Welcoming the Secretary-General and his delegation, the Federal Minister appreciated his visit to Pakistan and reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering commitment to the objectives and principles of the SCO. He emphasized that culture serves as a bridge for peace, dialogue and mutual understanding, and highlighted Pakistan's rich civilizational heritage, including the Indus Valley Civilization, Gandhara Civilization, Buddhist heritage, Islamic architecture and vibrant intangible cultural traditions.
The Minister reiterated Pakistan's firm commitment to the Shanghai Spirit, noting that cultural diplomacy remains an effective means of fostering regional harmony and cooperation. He underlined Pakistan's readiness to deepen collaboration in the fields of heritage conservation, museums, archaeology, cultural tourism, creative industries, handicrafts, performing arts and youth exchanges.
Referring to Pakistan's growing role within the Organization, the Minister noted that Pakistan is expected to assume the SCO Chairmanship in 2027 and host the 24th Meeting of the SCO Ministers of Culture. He also highlighted the proposal to designate Lahore as the SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026–27, stating that comprehensive preparations are underway to organize a year-long calendar of cultural activities in Lahore, alongside major cultural programmes in Islamabad and Karachi.
The Federal Minister informed the Secretary-General that Pakistan plans to organize four flagship cultural events in Lahore, complemented by a series of smaller programmes throughout the year. He added that Embassies and Consulates of SCO Member States in Pakistan would be invited to participate through cultural performances, exhibitions and the participation of cultural troupes.
The Minister also extended an invitation to the Secretary-General and SCO Member States to actively participate in the annual Lok Virsa Folk Festival, scheduled to be held in Islamabad in November 2026. He noted that the festival would provide an ideal platform for showcasing the diverse cultural heritage of SCO Member States through handicrafts, folk music, performing arts and traditional cultural displays. He further proposed dedicating a segment of the festival to celebrating the Shanghai Spirit and regional cultural cooperation.
During the meeting, the Federal Minister proposed several initiatives aimed at institutionalizing cultural collaboration among SCO Member States, including the establishment of an SCO Museum Cooperation Network, an SCO Archaeology Cooperation Programme, an SCO Digital Heritage Platform, an SCO Youth Cultural Exchange Programme, and an SCO Heritage Tourism Initiative focusing on Gandhara and Silk Road heritage. He also emphasized expanding cooperation in joint archaeological research, digital preservation of heritage and collaboration among museums and cultural institutions.
The Secretary-General briefed the Minister on the SCO's evolving agenda and highlighted the Organization's growing cooperation in culture, tourism, trade and people-to-people exchanges. He reaffirmed the SCO Secretariat's full support for Pakistan's Chairmanship and encouraged Pakistan to introduce innovative proposals and initiatives that would further strengthen regional cooperation.
Mr. Yermekbayev welcomed Pakistan's preparations for the proposed cultural programmes in Lahore and appreciated the country's proactive approach towards promoting cultural diplomacy. He suggested organizing film festivals, handicrafts exhibitions, musical festivals and cultural forums under the SCO framework and invited Pakistan to actively participate in the Special SCO Cultural Exhibition to be held in China from 18–22 October 2026, where Member States will showcase their cultural heritage and traditional crafts.
The Secretary-General also emphasized the importance of expanding regional tourism cooperation by connecting tourism stakeholders and travel agencies across SCO Member States and dialogue partners. He observed that enhanced cultural exchanges would further strengthen regional peace, mutual understanding and sustainable development.
Secretary, National Heritage and Culture Division assured the Secretary-General of the Division's full cooperation in implementing the Minister's vision. He informed the meeting that preparations for SCO-related cultural activities had already commenced and that an inter-ministerial coordination meeting would soon be convened to finalize arrangements. He emphasized that culture remains one of the strongest instruments for promoting peace, mutual respect and sustainable regional cooperation.
Both sides agreed to strengthen institutional linkages, expand people-to-people contacts and enhance practical cooperation in the fields of culture, museums, archaeology, heritage conservation, tourism and creative industries. They also agreed to maintain close coordination for the successful implementation of SCO cultural initiatives during Pakistan's forthcoming Chairmanship.
The meeting concluded in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reaffirming the shared commitment of Pakistan and the SCO Secretariat to preserving the region's shared cultural heritage and promoting cultural partnerships for the benefit of all SCO Member States.
The meeting was attended by SCO Deputy Secretary General Mr. Sohail Khan, Secretariat Official Mr. Margulan Ibrahimov and Protocol Officer Mr. Bekhruz Sodikov. From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Coordinator (SCO) Dr. Mohammad Faisal, Director (SCO) and Assistant Director (SCO-I) Ms. Aisha Shahid were also present.
