ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Council of Heads of Government meeting in October this year and invite all members, including India, to attend the gathering in person in Islamabad, the foreign office spokesperson said on Thursday.
Founded by China and Russia in 2001, the SCO is a prominent Eurasian entity focused on political, economic, international security and defense matters.
It is the world’s largest regional organization by geographic coverage and population, encompassing about 80 percent of Eurasia and 40 percent of the world population.
Pakistan became an SCO member in June 2017, after holding observer status from 2005 to 2017.
“The year 2024 is an important milestone for Pakistan-SCO relations, as Pakistan holds the rotating chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of Government, which is the second highest decision-making forum of the SCO,” Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the foreign office spokesperson, informed during her weekly media briefing.
“In that capacity, Pakistan will host the SCO Heads of Government meeting in October this year,” she added.
Baloch said the October conference would be preceded by a ministerial meeting and several rounds of high-level official talks among SCO member states, focusing on financial, economic, social, cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
She added the conference would be held as per the SCO procedures and in-person attendance of heads of government.
“So, in our capacity as the chair, we will be extending invitations to all heads of government of SCO member states,” she added.
Baloch hoped all members of the regional grouping would be represented at the conference, which is expected to focus on trade, investment and economic connectivity.
Pakistan’s nuclear-armed neighbor, India, is also part of the SCO. The two countries have a history of strained relations and have fought several wars and border skirmishes since their independence in 1947.
India boycotted the summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in 2016, which was scheduled to be held in Islamabad.

RAWALPINDI: Two decades ago, Dr. Amina Imran could not have foreseen her future as a speech pathologist at a local hospital in Rawalpindi.
A devoted housewife, her life changed course when her first child, Haleema, faced articulation challenges after her birth in 2005 and was diagnosed with a speech disorder. The situation intensified when her second daughter, Maidah, encountered the same issue.
Now, with over a decade in this profession, Imran observes that speech and language disorders, ranging from articulation difficulties to complex comprehension issues, are rampant in Pakistan, affecting over 22 million people.
Children with special needs face unique challenges that require early diagnosis and intervention, though many do not receive the essential care they need due to limited resources and a shortage of qualified speech-language pathologists.
“As a dedicated housewife, I never envisioned myself in a professional role, but my daughters’ needs brought me into this field,” she told Arab News in a conversation this week. “I used to take them to a rehabilitation center and always felt something was lacking. So, I decided to pursue training and therapy myself to better help my daughters.”
Imran joined the MS in Speech and Language Pathology program in 2011 and completed the certification in the next two years.
Subsequently, she joined Quaid-e-Azam International Hospital in Rawalpindi and became the head of the department in 2017.
During her career, she has helped numerous young and old people, with many of her patients testifying to her dedication and significant contributions to their lives.
“Raising awareness is crucial,” Imran said while discussing strategies to deal with speech impediments. “The earlier we intervene, the better the outcomes for these children. Every child deserves the opportunity to communicate effectively and confidently.”
She said parents should try to determine if their children require professional help at an early stage.
“From four to six months onwards, we do expect that the child turns head to the mother’s voice, the child does have expressions on the face,” she explained. “If the child’s behavior is deviating from the age-appropriate parameters, the red alarm should ring in your mind, consult a professional.”
Samia Bibi, an internationally certified speech and language pathologist and clinical director at Tarteeb Rehabilitation Center said there was growing awareness among parents about addressing such issues in Pakistan, thanks to dedicated professionals like Imran.
“Speech therapy is a guiding light for those, especially children, who are struggling with speech disorders,” she said. “It enhances communication skills and improves the quality of life.”
Muhammad Omer, a teenage student, who benefitted by therapy sessions carried out by Imran said she transformed his ability to engage with others in public settings.
“After struggling with speech delivery and stammering issues, I lacked confidence and found it hard to interact with people,” he told Arab News. “I didn’t want friends. But after my parents consulted the speech-language pathologist and I started therapy, my perspective changed.”
“Now, I feel better and even speak confidently in front of audiences,” he added. “It makes me happy and positive.”
Imran said speech therapy was not limited to children, mentioning that she helped a retired secondary school principal, Hisan Ullah Malik, who faced challenges with eating, swallowing and minor paralysis affecting his speech after pneumonia.
Malik told Arab News being a teacher required him to communicate clearly with students.
He said that his son sought help from a specialist, who referred him to Imran.
Malik informed six months of speech and language therapy, including mouth exercises and massages, greatly improved his speech.
“She has been a savior for me,” he said, urging others to consult professionals in such cases.
Imran also emphasized that people should not view children with special needs as a problem and ensure they receive comprehensive support to improve their quality of life.
She added that parents must address societal stigma and promote early intervention so that children receive timely help and manage to overcome speech and language disorders.