Pakistan chaired and hosted the 12th meeting of the Heads of Border Services from Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member states, marking a significant milestone in regional security cooperation. The two-day gathering in Islamabad brought together senior border service officials from 10 nations, including India and Iran, alongside representatives from the SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure. Main Developments Delegates exchanged assessments of border security situations across SCO member states and discussed emerging trends and forecasts. They formally approved the results of Joint Border Operation 'Solidarity-2025', which involved coordinated efforts among member states' border services. A key outcome was the endorsement of a preparation plan for Operation 'Solidarity-2026'. The meeting also supported Tajikistan's proposal to host the joint border operation in 2027. Read also: Why AI in Pakistan's courts resolves 6% more cases without losing quality Background The SCO was initially formed as a security cooperation group in 2001 and has since evolved into a major forum for trade and economic development. Its 10 member states include India, Iran, China, Pakistan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, with Afghanistan and Mongolia as observer states. In June, Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reaffirmed the country's commitment to the "Shanghai spirit," calling for joint strategies against terrorism, organised crime, drug trafficking, cybercrime, and terror financing. Iran's border guard commander, Brigadier General Ali Akbar Javidan, stated on the sidelines that Tehran seeks enhanced cooperation with SCO states in security, information sharing, and combating drug trafficking and smuggling. Why It Matters Pakistan's role as chair and host of this meeting underscores its growing influence within the SCO bloc. The approved border operations aim to strengthen mutual trust and security along shared borders, directly addressing transnational threats such as terrorism and organised crime that affect all member states. For Pakistan, assuming leadership of the SCO's border security track bolsters its diplomatic standing and provides a platform to push for collective action on issues like drug trafficking and cybercrime, which have domestic and regional consequences. What's Next Pakistan is set to assume the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State in September 2025, with the next CHS summit also scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan. The approved plan for Operation 'Solidarity-2026' will guide preparations over the coming months, while Tajikistan's bid to host the 2027 operation requires further coordination among member states.