Islamabad (Staff Reporter) :
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive dialogue to ensure sustainable peace in South Asia, reiterating Pakistan’s desire for normal relations with all neighboring countries. Addressing the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Tianjin, China, on Monday, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional cooperation for peace, prosperity, and development.
He strongly condemned Israel’s unwarranted aggression against Iran, calling it unacceptable, and described the ongoing oppression and famine in Gaza as a deep wound on the collective conscience of humanity. PM Shehbaz called for an immediate end to the violence and reiterated Pakistan’s support for the UN-backed two-state solution to the Palestinian conflict.
Highlighting the impact of climate change, the Prime Minister informed SCO member states about the devastating floods, cloudbursts, and heavy rains that have struck Pakistan. He expressed appreciation for the international community’s support, especially from China, in dealing with these disasters.
The Prime Minister said his presence in Tianjin was a matter of pride, calling the city a symbol of China’s core values and a cultural bridge between civilizations. He extended his gratitude to the Chinese government and President Xi Jinping for their exceptional hospitality and also congratulated Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on their Independence Days.
Speaking about regional cooperation, PM Shehbaz said the SCO reflects Pakistan’s long-standing commitment to regional integration. He praised China’s global leadership under President Xi Jinping and highlighted its role in regional and international forums. He underscored Pakistan’s belief in multilateral dialogue and diplomacy and affirmed respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all SCO member states.
Referring to the need for water security, he stressed the importance of uninterrupted access to water resources as per international agreements to support SCO’s goals.
On the topic of regional security, the Prime Minister said terrorism, separatism, and extremism pose a grave threat to the region. He reiterated Pakistan’s categorical condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and rejected the false narratives used by some countries for political gain. He claimed there was concrete evidence of foreign involvement in recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, calling for accountability of the perpetrators and their facilitators.
PM Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan’s immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, stating that the country lost over 90,000 precious lives and suffered economic losses exceeding $152 billion. “These sacrifices were made not just for Pakistan, but for the safety and stability of the entire region,” he emphasized.
Speaking about Afghanistan, he described it as a brotherly neighbor and said that a stable Afghanistan is in the best interest of the region. He stressed Pakistan’s commitment to constructive engagement with Afghan leadership for peace and economic cooperation.
The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of regional connectivity and praised the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a flagship project that embodies the shared vision of development. He said reliable land, air, and rail routes are essential for stable supply chains and regional integration.
Informing the participants about the economic revival in Pakistan over the past 18 months, PM Shehbaz outlined a three-pillar plan for economic transformation:
Attracting investment in trade, infrastructure, agriculture, IT, and mineral resources.
Promoting research and innovation.
Broadening the tax base through comprehensive tax reforms.
He said the government is empowering youth by providing purposeful employment opportunities, and noted a decline in inflation, current account surplus, and a significant improvement in the stock market.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the SCO Charter, PM Shehbaz said the journey ahead may be tough, with “blazing sun and harsh winds,” but the collective purpose will help overcome all challenges. He concluded by expressing a firm resolve to work with SCO member states for peace, stability, and prosperity for the 3.5 billion people in the region.
