Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif used his address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State summit in Tianjin to raise the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) issue, call for dialogue on outstanding disputes, and reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to peace, diplomacy, and regional cooperation.
Indus Waters Treaty Dispute at SCO
Shehbaz Sharif reminded SCO leaders that uninterrupted access to Pakistan’s due share of water under international treaties was vital for regional stability and for the bloc’s broader objectives. His remarks came in reference to India’s unilateral move to suspend the treaty in April, a step Pakistan termed an “act of war” and which was later deemed invalid by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.
The premier urged member states to support a “comprehensive and structural dialogue” to resolve disputes, stressing that respect for international and bilateral treaties must remain a guiding principle for the SCO.
Pakistan’s Call for Peace and Diplomacy
Sharif reaffirmed that Pakistan seeks “normal and stable relations” with all its neighbours, advocating dialogue and diplomacy over conflict and confrontation. He said Pakistan will continue to promote peace, prosperity, and regional integration under the SCO framework, while upholding the sovereignty and integrity of all member states.
Climate Change and Flood Crisis
Turning to climate challenges, the prime minister said Pakistan was once again hit by torrential rains, cloudbursts, and flooding in three major rivers, causing severe human and economic losses. He reminded leaders that Pakistan’s share in global emissions is less than one per cent, yet it remains among the most climate-vulnerable countries.
“Global leadership must shoulder the burden, as further inaction will mean more loss of life and livelihood,” he warned.
Pakistan’s Sacrifices Against Terrorism
Shehbaz also highlighted Pakistan’s fight against terrorism, recalling the Jaffar Express attack in March that killed 26 people, including 18 security personnel. He said Pakistan had lost over 90,000 lives and more than $152 billion in economic damage, sacrifices “with no parallel in history.”
He accused “foreign hands” of being behind recent attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, calling for collective regional action against terrorism.
SCO as a Platform for Regional Cooperation
At the outset of his speech, Sharif lauded China’s leadership of the SCO under President Xi Jinping and said the bloc symbolised Pakistan’s commitment to regional integration. He linked CPEC to the SCO’s vision of connectivity and praised China’s broader initiatives, including the Belt and Road Initiative.
The prime minister also thanked China for its hospitality and expressed gratitude to the international community for supporting Pakistan during the floods.
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