Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to collaborating with other member states to bolster the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as an active and integrated regional forum aimed at achieving common objectives of peace and prosperity.
Speaking at the SCO Summit in Astana today, Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the significant potential of the SCO, emphasizing that it represents a promising future due to its vast human and socio-economic capabilities. “As leaders,” he stated, “it is our responsibility to rise above partisan geopolitics and join hands to secure a peaceful and prosperous future for our peoples.”
He urged the member states to transform their repeated commitments into tangible actions, particularly in enhancing the connectivity of the SCO region through efficient transport corridors and reliable supply chains. Sharif pointed out that Pakistan’s strategic location positions it as an ideal trade conduit for the entire region. He noted that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, aligns perfectly with SCO’s vision for regional connectivity and economic cooperation.
Emphasizing economic measures, Prime Minister Sharif advocated for promoting the use of national currencies for mutual settlements within the SCO region, which he believes can help mitigate international financial shocks. He also expressed Pakistan’s support for the proposal to establish an SCO alternative development funding mechanism to invigorate various stalled development initiatives.
On environmental issues, Sharif welcomed the SCO agreement on environmental protection, affirming Pakistan’s commitment to working towards a sustainable and nature-positive world.
Addressing regional stability, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of peace in Afghanistan, urging the international community to engage meaningfully with the interim Afghan government to support their genuine economic and developmental needs. He called for concrete measures from the interim Afghan government to prevent its territory from being used for terrorism against other states.
Sharif underscored the collective responsibility to combat terrorism and extremism in all forms, asserting that these threats must be addressed comprehensively. He called for respect for the universally recognized principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the fundamental right to self-determination, highlighting that the UNSC resolutions offer a viable framework to resolve longstanding regional disputes. The failure to implement these resolutions, he noted, has caused immense suffering.
Expressing serious concern over Israeli actions against Palestinians, the Prime Minister urged the SCO to denounce Israeli atrocities and called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. He advocated for the implementation of a two-state solution, establishing Palestine as a viable, secure, and contiguous state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al Sharif as its capital.
Prime Minister Sharif also addressed the rising issue of Islamophobia, condemning it as counter to humanity and calling for its universal prohibition.
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