The Kazakh Ambassador to Pakistan has highlighted the significant role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in resolving regional challenges, particularly those related to Afghanistan.

Yerzhan Kistafin, during a meeting at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, stated that the SCO is crucial for countries like Türkiye and Afghanistan in expanding the organization’s influence and addressing geopolitical challenges.

Kistafin said, “Our country recognizes the importance of the SCO’s engagement with extra-regional actors. The organization's dialogue Partnerships with countries such as Türkiye and Afghanistan is seen as an opportunity to expand its influence and address broader geopolitical challenges.”

The Kazakh Ambassador to Pakistan also emphasized that his country supports the participation of SCO observer states in its activities.

Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are members of the SCO, and Afghanistan has been an observer member of the SCO since 2012.

Samiullah Ahmadzai, a political analyst, told TOLOnews, “If Kazakhstan continues with this policy and works to change the mindset of SCO members, it won't be long before Afghanistan gains full membership in the SCO and receives strong political support.”

Mohammad Bashar, another political analyst, said, “One of the main goals of the SCO is to create a balance with the West in the region, and this goal will be achieved when neighboring countries integrate into the organization.”

Previously, the Islamic Emirate emphasized Afghanistan's participation in regional structures.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said that Afghanistan should be part of any formation created for dialogue on regional issues.