Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, expressing his gratitude for the warm hospitality of Chinese President Xi Jinping and extending felicitations to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on their respective national days.
In his speech, the Prime Minister highlighted China’s global leadership role, saying that it serves as an exemplary model not only within the SCO but across various international platforms. He described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a flagship project and a shining example of this cooperation.
Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to dialogue and diplomacy, while noting that the region has witnessed instability in recent months. He stressed that Pakistan respects the sovereignty of all SCO member states and expects the same in return.
Calling for greater cooperation, the Prime Minister emphasized that ensuring unhindered access to water resources among SCO members would further enhance the organization’s effectiveness.
Rejecting terrorism in all its forms, he said that those who have used terrorism to advance political objectives must realize that “the world no longer accepts such fictitious narratives.” Referring to recent incidents, he stated that evidence of foreign involvement exists in the Jaffar Express train attack and other terrorist acts in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the United Nations Charter and the SCO principles, while condemning Israeli aggression against Iran as unacceptable. He described the suffering in Gaza as a wound on the collective conscience of humanity and called for an immediate end to bloodshed, while reiterating support for a two-state solution for Palestine.
Highlighting Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, Sharif said no other nation in history has paid such a heavy price. He pledged to continue working with SCO countries to eliminate the scourge of terrorism. He also reiterated Pakistan’s consistent support for a peaceful Afghanistan, expressing hope that enhanced economic cooperation with Kabul would prove mutually beneficial.
Shehbaz Sharif also drew attention to the devastating floods in Pakistan, sharing their socio-economic impact and thanking China and other nations for their solidarity and assistance.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to contribute actively towards achieving the objectives of the SCO, including peace, stability, and shared prosperity among member states.
