Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif utilised his address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin to underscore the importance of combating terrorism, regional security, and humanitarian crises. He called for stronger cooperation among SCO members, while reaffirming Pakistan’s sacrifices, commitment to peace, and vision of connectivity through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Terrorism and Pakistan’s Sacrifices
Sharif recalled the March hijacking of the Jaffar Express in Balochistan’s Sibi area, which killed 26 people, including 18 security personnel. He said Pakistan had “irrefutable evidence” of foreign involvement in the attack and other acts of terrorism in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He reminded SCO leaders that Pakistan has lost over 90,000 lives and endured $152 billion in economic losses in its fight against terrorism, sacrifices “with no parallel in history.” He urged joint efforts to eliminate terrorism, separatism, and extremism across the region.
Afghanistan and Regional Connectivity
The prime minister stressed the need for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, noting that stability would benefit the entire region. He emphasised that enhanced connectivity required efficient land, air, and rail corridors, pointing to CPEC as a “practical demonstration” of the SCO’s vision for integration and economic growth.
Condemnation of Gaza Violence and Attack on Iran
Shehbaz strongly condemned Israel’s “heart-wrenching bloodshed in Gaza” and its attack on Iran, a fellow SCO member. He called the aggression “unacceptable” and reiterated Pakistan’s support for the UN-backed two-state solution, with an independent Palestine on pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Engagements on Summit Sidelines
On the sidelines, Sharif met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to review bilateral ties, with both leaders expressing satisfaction over improving cooperation. He also held talks with a delegation from Tianjin Binhai New Area, praising China’s role in Pakistan’s economic development and outlining priorities for CPEC Phase 2, including smart cities, agriculture, and next-generation technologies.
At the SCO Plus session, the premier praised President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative as a step toward a stronger multilateral system and welcomed the Tianjin Declaration.
Related stories:
