ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has assumed the chair of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) body of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization,(SCO) the foreign office announced on Wednesday, saying the role would allow Islamabad to foster regional cooperation against “terrorism.”
RATS SCO, founded in 2002 and headquartered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, is a permanent organ of the SCO alliance which serves to promote cooperation among members states against “terrorism,” separatism, and extremism.
The foreign office said Islamabad assuming the counterterror body’s chair was a reflection of the confidence that SCO member states have in Pakistan’s efforts and contributions toward regional peace and security.
“In its capacity as the chair of SCO-RATS, Pakistan will work toward fostering regional cooperation against terrorism, in line with shared priorities, guided by the Shanghai Spirit of mutual trust, equality and shared responsibility,” the foreign office said.
It said as the body’s chair, Pakistan will host events on key domains such as cyber counterterrorism, information operations, border security, countering terrorist financing, and capacity-building to deepen collaboration.
