Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during his address at the 25th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tianjin, China, highlighted the persistent threat of state-backed terrorism and urged member nations to respect sovereignty, promote regional dialogue, and adopt a collective approach to counterterrorism.
The premier described his presence in Tianjin as an honour, noting that the city represents China’s foundational values and serves as a bridge connecting different civilizations and cultures.
Arriving in Tianjin on Saturday, PM Shehbaz is on a six-day official visit that includes meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, according to the Foreign Office. Emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, stability, and cooperation, the prime minister underlined the SCO’s role as a platform for fostering regional connectivity and collaboration.
He stressed that all SCO member countries should honor bilateral and international agreements, emphasizing that uninterrupted access to Pakistan’s due share of water, as per existing treaties, is crucial for advancing the organization’s objectives.
Reiterating Pakistan’s belief in multilateralism, dialogue, and diplomacy, PM Shehbaz condemned unilateralism and confrontation. He emphasized that sovereignty and territorial integrity are sacred for all nations and called for comprehensive dialogue to address longstanding issues in South Asia. Highlighting the significance of stability in Afghanistan, he noted that peace there is essential for the security and development of the entire region.
Addressing terrorism, the premier condemned all forms of violence while explicitly calling out state-sponsored terrorism. He asserted that those who have historically used terrorism to pursue political objectives must recognize that the international community no longer accepts such narratives.
PM Shehbaz cited Pakistan’s evidence of foreign involvement in recent terrorist incidents, including the Jaffer Express hostage crisis and attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, and insisted that perpetrators and their facilitators must be held accountable.
The prime minister also paid tribute to Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, noting that over 90,000 lives, including those of children, mothers, engineers, scientists, citizens, and security personnel, have been lost in safeguarding not only Pakistan but the broader region.
He strongly condemned Israeli actions in Gaza, describing the ongoing atrocities and hunger as a permanent scar on the collective conscience and reiterated Pakistan’s support for a two-state solution in line with United Nations resolutions. He also criticized Israel’s aggression against Iran as unjustified and unacceptable.
PM Shehbaz praised President Xi Jinping’s leadership, highlighting China’s success as a reflection of his vision and strategic direction. He acknowledged China’s global leadership, not only within the SCO but across key international initiatives, and expressed gratitude for the country’s exceptional hospitality and the excellent arrangements made for the summit.
Additionally, he emphasized the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a flagship project that symbolizes mutual cooperation, regional development, and the strengthening of bilateral relations between Pakistan and China. Through his speech, PM Shehbaz reinforced Pakistan’s commitment to peace, regional stability, counterterrorism, and multilateral cooperation while highlighting the importance of strong partnerships within the SCO framework.
