Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism, dialogue, and regional peace while addressing the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Council meeting in Tianjin, China.
He underlined Pakistan’s desire for “normal and stable relations” with its neighbours, stressing that the SCO provides the best platform for advancing cooperation and integration across the region.
Commitment to Dialogue and Multilateralism
“Pakistan has always believed in the power of multilateralism, dialogue and diplomacy, and shunning unilateralism,” PM Shehbaz said, expressing concern over recent “disturbing developments” in the region.
He urged SCO leadership to initiate a structured dialogue to resolve longstanding disputes in South Asia, emphasising dialogue over confrontation.
Condemning Terrorism and Foreign Interference
The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm stance against terrorism. “We condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations with the fullest force at our command, including state terrorism,” he said.
Highlighting recent security incidents, Shehbaz pointed to “irrefutable evidence” of foreign involvement in the Jaffar Express hijacking in Balochistan and other terrorist attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He reminded the summit of Pakistan’s heavy sacrifices, stating: “We have lost over 90,000 valuable lives and endured economic losses exceeding $152 billion, a sacrifice unparalleled in history.”
Palestine, Iran, and Regional Peace
The premier strongly condemned Israel’s “unjustified aggression” against Iran and the “heart-wrenching bloodshed in Gaza.” He reiterated Pakistan’s support for a two-state solution with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the Palestinian capital.
On Afghanistan, Shehbaz emphasised the importance of a “peaceful and stable” neighbour, adding that trilateral cooperation between Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan would benefit the whole region.
Floods, Economy, and Youth Empowerment
Highlighting the ongoing floods in Pakistan, Shehbaz noted the loss of lives, infrastructure, and crops, thanking China and the international community for their support.
He said Pakistan was recovering economically, citing reduced inflation, a current account surplus, and rising capital market activity. He outlined reforms focused on export-led growth, foreign investment, energy, IT, and agriculture.
The prime minister also stressed youth empowerment as a cornerstone of development, calling Pakistan’s young population “an asset for innovation and growth.”
China’s Role and Regional Connectivity
Shehbaz lauded China’s chairmanship of the SCO and praised President Xi Jinping’s “visionary leadership,” citing initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the Global Development, Security, and Civilisation Initiatives.
He urged enhanced regional connectivity through land, air, and rail corridors, adding: “Expansion of the CPEC can serve as a practical demonstration of SCO’s vision for regional connectivity and economic integration.”
Related stories:
Shehbaz to Deliver Keynote at SCO Summit
SCO Summit in Tianjin Highlights Xi’s Call for Fair Global Order
