Pakistan Secures Hosting Rights for Next SCO Women’s Forum
Pakistan has secured the opportunity to host the next Shanghai Cooperation Organization Women’s Forum, marking a fresh diplomatic opening for Islamabad within a major regional platform focused on cooperation, development and women’s empowerment.
The development came after Senator Bushra Anjum Butt led Pakistan’s delegation at the SCO Women’s Forum meeting held in Kyrgyzstan. Delegations from SCO member states attended the gathering, where participants discussed ways to expand socio-economic collaboration across the region.
The meeting placed special emphasis on women’s empowerment and their role in sustainable development. Participants reviewed opportunities for regional cooperation in business, governance, public institutions, international organizations and broader decision-making forums.
Representing Pakistan, Senator Bushra Anjum Butt highlighted government initiatives aimed at improving women’s social, political and economic participation. She also briefed the forum on the contribution of Pakistani women to national development and economic progress.
During the session, Senator Butt formally presented Pakistan’s proposal to host the next SCO Women’s Forum. The proposal received support from member countries, and the next meeting is now scheduled to take place in Pakistan in September.
The decision gives Pakistan a visible platform to present its priorities on women-led development, entrepreneurship, public-sector participation and regional connectivity. It also allows Islamabad to engage SCO partners on policy areas that extend beyond traditional security and trade discussions.
The SCO framework has increasingly become important for Pakistan’s regional diplomacy, offering space for dialogue with neighbouring and partner states on economic, social and institutional cooperation. Hosting a forum focused on women’s empowerment could help Pakistan widen that engagement through a development-oriented agenda.
For Pakistan, the forum may also create opportunities to showcase women entrepreneurs, parliamentarians, professionals, civil society leaders and policymakers before a regional audience. Such platforms can help strengthen partnerships in skills development, market access, institutional inclusion and cross-border cooperation.
The next step will involve preparations for the September meeting, including coordination with SCO partners, relevant ministries and local stakeholders. If organized effectively, the event could strengthen Pakistan’s diplomatic profile while advancing regional discussion on inclusive economic growth and women’s leadership.