September 2, 2026 · 2 min read
SCO Summit: Lahore Designated Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026-27
Pakistan assumes rotating SCO presidency as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif champions regional connectivity in Bishkek
BISHKEK / ISLAMABAD — The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State has formally declared Lahore as the bloc’s official “Tourism and Cultural Capital” for 2026-27. The diplomatic milestone was confirmed during the 26th SCO leaders’ summit in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek, where Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif represented Pakistan as the country took over the bloc’s rotating chairmanship.
The cultural title, rotated annually among member states taking up the leadership mantle, highlights cities representing the civilizational richness of the host country. Lahore follows previous designees including Varanasi (India), Almaty (Kazakhstan), Qingdao (China), and Cholpon-Ata (Kyrgyzstan). Addressing regional heads of state, Prime Minister Shehbaz stated that Islamabad’s chairmanship would prioritize connectivity, joint innovation, and sustainable regional economic stability.
Federal authorities confirmed that Lahore will host four flagship international cultural forums and exhibitions throughout the year, featuring visiting cultural and trade delegations from across member nations. Officials underscored that the designation offers Pakistan a vital diplomatic platform to rebuild tourism confidence, project soft power, and expand direct regional trade corridors across Central and South Asia.
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