Archive · 30 Sep 2026
Indian SCO Coordinator Expresses Interest in Visiting Lahore
Alok Dimri is an Indian official who visited Islamabad for a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
He said he was happy to visit Islamabad for the first time.
He also said he hoped to visit Lahore, Faisalabad or Sialkot.
Pakistan shared a video of his comments.
Dimri met Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.
India and Pakistan have difficult relations, but their officials still meet through the SCO.
Lahore has been named an SCO cultural city.
This means more cultural events may take place there during Pakistan’s year leading the organisation.
India’s National SCO Coordinator Alok Dimri said he was happy to visit Islamabad and hoped to see Lahore, Faisalabad or Sialkot.
Dimri made the remarks during the first SCO Council of National Coordinators meeting under Pakistan’s chairmanship.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry shared a video of Dimri speaking in Hindi and images of him shaking hands with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.
India and Pakistan continue participating in SCO activities despite limited direct diplomatic and political contact.
Dimri said Lahore’s designation as an SCO cultural city could create opportunities for further cultural activities and interaction.
- Who
- India’s National SCO Coordinator Alok Dimri, Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and officials from SCO member states.
- What
- The first meeting of the SCO Council of National Coordinators under Pakistan’s chairmanship took place, while Dimri expressed interest in visiting Lahore and other Pakistani cities.
- When
- The meeting was held during Pakistan’s SCO presidency, which began on 1 September; the coordinators’ meeting lasted three days.
- Where
- Islamabad, Pakistan; Dimri also mentioned Lahore, Faisalabad and Sialkot as places he hoped to visit.
- Why
- The officials met to advance the SCO’s agenda, including connectivity, trade, transit, prosperity and cultural cooperation.
- Indian coordinator
- Alok Dimri
- Meeting
- SCO Council of National Coordinators meeting
- Host country
- Pakistan
- Pakistan’s SCO presidency
- Began on 1 September
- Potential destinations mentioned
- Lahore, Faisalabad and Sialkot
- Lahore’s SCO role
- Designated as an SCO cultural city
- Future SCO summit
- Pakistan is scheduled to host the leaders’ summit in August 2027