The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin concluded with a strong declaration against terrorism, extremism and separatism, while reaffirming commitments to regional peace, stability, and cooperation. The gathering also echoed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s call for dialogue in South Asia and drew global attention to Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
Tianjin Declaration Condemns Terror Attacks in Pakistan, India
The SCO leaders condemned recent terror attacks, including the Jaffar Express hijacking in Balochistan, the Khuzdar school bus bombing, and the Pahalgam attack in occupied Kashmir. Expressing condolences to the victims’ families, the summit stressed that perpetrators, organisers, and sponsors of such acts must face justice.
The declaration rejected double standards in counterterrorism and denounced the use of extremist groups for political or proxy purposes. Member states reaffirmed joint action against terrorism, narcotics trafficking, arms smuggling and other forms of transnational crime, with the UN’s counterterrorism strategy as the guiding framework.
Shehbaz Urges Dialogue and Stability in South Asia
Addressing the SCO Council, PM Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s stance on peace and multilateralism. He stressed that Pakistan seeks “normal and stable” relations with its neighbours, advocating diplomacy over confrontation.
The prime minister reminded leaders of Pakistan’s heavy sacrifices, over 90,000 lives lost and $152 billion in economic damages, in the fight against extremism. He also accused “foreign elements” of involvement in recent terror incidents, including the Jaffar Express attack, warning that “the world no longer buys fictitious narratives” built on terrorism for political gain.
Xi and Putin Push for New Global Order
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for the creation of a new SCO development bank to reduce dependence on the US dollar, while Russian President Vladimir Putin urged a shift away from “Euro-centric” security models. Both leaders emphasised the SCO’s role in shaping a fairer multipolar world order.
Afghanistan, Gaza and Iran on the SCO Agenda
The summit reaffirmed the need for a peaceful, inclusive Afghanistan, stressing connectivity through land, air and rail corridors. PM Shehbaz said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) embodied the SCO’s vision of integration.
In the Middle East, SCO leaders strongly condemned Israel’s attacks on Gaza and Iran, calling them violations of international law. They reiterated support for a two-state solution, with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as Palestine’s capital.
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