Leaders of SCO member states declare use of terrorist groups, proxies unacceptable Call for establishing an inclusive govt in Afghanistan to ensure lasting peace In his address, PM Shehbaz says Pakistan respects sovereignty of all SCO member states.
TIANJIN/ ISLAMABAD – The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation declaration issued on Monday reaffirmed Pakistan’s position on terrorism, unequivocally condemning all forms and manifestations of this global menace.
The SCO emphasised that double standards in the fight against terrorism are unacceptable. It strongly condemned the attacks on the Jaffar Express and the school bus in Khuzdar.
The declaration called for comprehensive and effective measures to combat all dimensions of terrorism, including the cross-border movement of terrorists.
Member states underscored the need for coordinated action against all terrorist organisations, in line with UN Security Council resolutions, the global counter-terrorism strategy, and the principles of the United Nations. The SCO also stressed the importance of establishing an inclusive government in Afghanistan, with representation from all ethnic and political groups, to ensure lasting peace. It affirmed that every nation has the sovereign right to choose its own political, social, and economic path.
Furthermore, it declared that the use of terrorist groups for political or proxy objectives are unacceptable. It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan has consistently presented credible evidence of cross-border facilitation of terrorism by India to the global community. India’s involvement in incidents like the Jaffar Express and the Khuzdar school bus attack has been substantiated with documented proof. In its April 24 statement, Pakistan’s National Security Committee offered India an independent investigation into the Pahalgam incident which remains unanswered by the Indian government to date.
Besides, Pakistan’s long-standing position on peace in Afghanistan aligns with the principles outlined in the SCO declaration. Pakistan has repeatedly shared evidence of cross-border terrorism, and the declaration has now brought further attention to this issue.
By endorsing Pakistan’s stance on terrorism and regional conflicts, the SCO declaration reflects the success of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts.
As a result of its diplomatic efforts, Pakistan is emerging as a net regional stabiliser in the region.
Reiterating their deep concern over the continuing escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the member states strongly condemned the actions that have led to numerous casualties among the civilian population and a catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. The SCO declaration called for deepening cooperation in fighting drug trafficking. It also emphasized to continue efforts in fighting corruption and called on the international community to refuse to grant asylum to persons who have committed corruption offences.
The SCO member States called on promoting cooperation in the field of e-commerce, develop digital trade infrastructure, and bridge the gap between developed and developing countries in the digital economy. They also urged to increase cooperation in the field of veterinary and phytosanitary surveillance, ensuring the safety of agricultural and food products, promote the development of trade in agricultural products and strengthen international cooperation in combating epidemics and infections.
The declaration further said that the SCO member States will continue to strengthen cooperation in the fields of agriculture and food security, science and education, artificial intelligence, tourism, culture, health, sports, environment, and sustainable socio-economic development.
Pakistan respects sovereignty all SCO member states: PM
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the SCO charter. Addressing the 25th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO at Tianjin in China, he also reaffirmed the steadfast resolve to uphold the noble values of the Shanghai spirit. He noted the SCO is a platform that best represents Pakistan’s abiding commitment to regional cooperation and integration. He said CPEC, the flagship project of BRI, can serve as a practical demonstration of SCO’s vision for regional connectivity and economic integration. The Prime Minister said Pakistan supports and respects sovereignty and integrity of all SCO members and its neighbours.
He said we also respect all international and bilateral treaties and expect similar principle to be followed by all SCO members.
He emphasized that uninterrupted access to due share of water as per existing treaties among the SCO members will strengthen the SCO working smoothly and will support the achievement of broader goals for which SCO was established.
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan has always believed in the power of multilateralism and of dialogue and diplomacy. For its part, he said Pakistan seeks normal and stable relations with all its neighbours. He said Pakistan will continue its efforts along with all SCO members to promote peace, progress and prosperity in the entire region. He also called for a comprehensive and structured dialogue to discuss all outstanding disputes to ensure lasting peace in South Asia.
Alluding to the unparalleled sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in the war against terrorism, Shehbaz Sharif said we condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including the state terrorism. He said Pakistan has irrefutable evidence of the involvement of some foreign hands in the devastating Jaffar express train hostage incident as well as countless other terror attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He said Pakistan has always believed that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is not only in our own interest but that of the entire region. He expressed the confidence that our trilateral meetings involving Pakistan, China and Afghanistan will have positive results in the times to come. The Prime Minister highlighted the devastation caused by recent rains and floods in Pakistan and appreciated the international community including China’s support and solidarity. He also mentioned the country’s economic recovery achieved over the last eighteen months. Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s call for an immediate end to Israeli gruesome violence and heartwrenching bloodshed in Gaza. He said Pakistan has consistently supported the UN mandated two state solution which is the creation of an independent state of Palestine with pre-1967 borders and Al Quds al Sharif as its capital.
SCO Plus meeting in Tianjin
Also, PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed Pakistan’s resolve to support Chinese President Xi Jinping’s landmark announcement to launch the Global Governance Initiative.
In his address to the SCO Plus meeting in Tianjin, he declared the initiative a historic step, towards a stronger multilateral system. The Prime Minister said the initiative aligns with the UN Charter, and will help make the global governance system more responsive to the needs of developing countries, and address contemporary challenges facing humanity. He expressed Pakistan’s willingness to actively participate in the initiative.
The Prime Minister congratulated President Xi Jinping for the successful conduct of SCO Summit and appreciated The Tianjin Declaration that he hoped will foster the shared goal of peace and prosperity in the region
He also reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to uphold the golden principles enshrined in the SCO Charter and “Shanghai Spirit” by advancing peace, development and connectivity.
Shehbaz Sharif also emphasized the importance of shared responsibility in the current climate crises whereby, underdeveloped countries like Pakistan are being constantly facing climate change induced disasters, even though their share in global emissions is less than only one percent. He stressed that the global leadership needs to shoulder the burden, further inaction will lead to more loss of life and livelihood.
The Prime Minister also emphasized Pakistan’s preference of dialogue over conflict and resolution of all disputes through peaceful means. On this occasion, he not only condemned the heinous crimes of Israel against the innocent Palestinians in Gaza, but also called for the immediate ceasefire in the region with the resolution of this dispute according to the United Nations Security Council Resolutions.
Besides, the Prime Minister welcomed Laos People’s Democratic Republic, for joining the SCO family as a Dialogue Partner.
PM arrives in Beijing through bullet train
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Beijing through bullet train after attending 25th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO held at Tianjin.
The Prime Minister was welcomed by member of Standing Committee of National People’s Congress Ms. Wang Hong at Beijing’s South Railway Station.
During his stay in Beijing, the Prime Minister will attend the 80th anniversary celebrations of the World Anti-Fascist War.
The Prime Minister is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, and other world leaders.
In addition, the Prime Minister will also participate and address the China-Pakistan Business to Business Conference.
