Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, emphasized the urgent need to stop the use of Afghan soil for terrorism and called for enhanced regional cooperation to tackle shared challenges.
In his opening remarks at the 23rd session of the Council of Heads of Government on Wednesday, he welcomed leaders from SCO member states and underscored the importance of strengthening regional ties for long-term economic growth and stability.
“Regional cooperation and connectivity are essential for sustainable development,” he stated. “We must seize available opportunities to improve the standard of living and amenities for our people.”
Highlighting that SCO member countries represent 40% of the world’s population, he pointed out the organization’s potential to drive global progress and urged a focus on tourism, green development, and energy sectors. Shehbaz Sharif also stressed the moral and economic imperative of prioritizing poverty eradication.
The summit, held at the Jinnah Convention Centre, brought together leaders from key member states, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, and counterparts from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Iranian Vice President Mohammad Arif and India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar were also in attendance, with Mongolia participating as an observer.
Security, Climate, and Economic Cooperation
Shehbaz Sharif outlined critical areas for discussion, such as economic cooperation, regional stability, and climate change. He noted Pakistan’s severe impact from climate change, referencing the devastating floods of 2022 that displaced millions and caused extensive damage to agriculture and infrastructure. He urged SCO nations to develop a collective strategy to mitigate these effects and enhance regional resilience.
“The impact of climate change is being felt worldwide, and Pakistan has been particularly hard-hit,” he remarked. “We must work together to address these challenges.”
Afghan Stability and Terrorism Concerns
Regarding Afghanistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed the need to prevent the use of Afghan soil for terrorism and called for international support for humanitarian assistance in the country. “Afghanistan plays a crucial role in regional stability, but terrorism from Afghan soil must stop,” he asserted. He also highlighted opportunities for cooperation in transportation and energy sectors within the region.
Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is now entering its second phase, and described the Belt and Road Initiative as a key driver of economic growth across the region.
Poverty Reduction and Social Development
In his address, Shehbaz Sharif also focused on poverty alleviation, describing it as both an economic and moral issue. He urged SCO members to prioritize efforts aimed at eradicating poverty by addressing its root causes and expanding economic opportunities.
He concluded by thanking the heads of state for their participation in the summit, expressing hope that the discussions would lead to productive outcomes for all member states.
