TASHKENT, Uzbekistan — In a landmark moment for regional diplomacy, Fareha Bugti has successfully chaired the 45th Meeting of the Council of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO-RATS). Marking her first session as Council Chair, the meeting concluded with all major decisions adopted by consensus, underscoring Pakistan’s effective leadership during its current chairmanship term.

A Historic Shift in Counter-Terrorism Leadership

Fareha Bugti’s role as the Council Chair is particularly significant, as she noted on social media that the session helped "break the minority gender streak" in high-level counter-terrorism (CT) issues. Leading a marathon agenda that spanned 22 hours and multiple travel hubs, Bugti credited the success to "Team Pakistan" and the constructive engagement of all SCO member states.

The session brought together high-level delegations from member states—including China, Russia, India, and Iran—to address the evolving landscape of regional security and extremism.

Consensus on Regional Security Challenges

Under Pakistan’s guidance, the Council deliberated on several critical security fronts, achieving a unified stance on:

• Afghanistan Stability: Deep concern was expressed regarding the threat posed by terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil, emphasizing the need for enhanced joint efforts.

• Middle East Tensions: The Council voiced serious concern over recent military strikes and called for the resolution of conflicts through peaceful dialogue and international law.

• Cyber & Information Security: Members approved plans for joint operations to detect and prevent the use of the internet for terrorist and extremist purposes.

  

Looking Ahead: Pakistan to Host 2026 Session

Pakistan assumed the Chair of SCO-RATS in September 2025 and has since steered the organization toward deeper collaboration in border security and counter-terror financing. The Council confirmed that the next meeting is scheduled to take place in September 2026 in Pakistan.

As a frontline state in the global fight against terrorism, Pakistan’s professional management of the SCO-RATS platform continues to foster the "Shanghai Spirit"—a guiding principle of mutual trust, equality, and shared responsibility for regional peace.