Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif raised the issue of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on Monday, calling for a comprehensive and structured dialogue to address all outstanding disputes in the region.
Addressing the SCO Council of Heads of State (CHS) summit in the Chinese city of Tianjin, PM Shehbaz emphasized the importance of adherence to international and bilateral agreements, specifically referencing India’s recent unilateral suspension of the IWT following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, occupied Kashmir. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, was attributed to Pakistan by Indian authorities without presenting evidence.
“Pakistan respects all international and bilateral treaties and expects the same commitment from all SCO members,” the prime minister said. “Uninterrupted access to agreed shares of water under existing treaties is essential for regional stability and the effective functioning of the SCO.”
He further welcomed the recent Supplemental Award of Competence issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which ruled that India cannot unilaterally suspend the IWT, reaffirming Pakistan’s position.
Call for Peaceful Regional Engagement
PM Shehbaz urged SCO leaders to lead a structured dialogue aimed at resolving long-standing disputes in South Asia, stating that Pakistan remains committed to peace, stability, and multilateralism.
“We seek a normal and stable relationship with all our neighbours and favour dialogue and diplomacy over conflict and confrontation,” he stressed.
Highlighting recent destabilizing developments in the region, the prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all SCO members. He praised China’s leadership within the SCO and commended its efforts in regional development through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Devastation from Climate Disasters
PM Shahbaz sharif also drew attention to the devastating floods affecting large parts of Pakistan, caused by intense rains and riverine flooding.
“My country is once again facing unprecedented torrential rains and cloudbursts, resulting in massive destruction, loss of lives, livestock, infrastructure, and crops,” he said, expressing gratitude for international support, particularly from China.
Terrorism and Foreign Involvement
The prime minister condemned terrorism in all its forms and accused “foreign hands” of orchestrating recent attacks in Pakistan, including the deadly hijacking of the Jaffar Express in March, which resulted in 26 deaths.
“We have irrefutable evidence of foreign involvement in the Jaffar Express attack and other terrorist incidents in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he stated, alluding to India’s alleged role. “The world can no longer ignore or accept these manufactured narratives.”
PM Shahbaz sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional and global efforts to combat terrorism, noting that the country has lost over 90,000 lives and suffered economic losses exceeding $152 billion in its fight against militancy.
Afghanistan and Regional Connectivity
The premier highlighted Pakistan’s support for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, noting its central role in ensuring regional stability. He emphasized the importance of trilateral cooperation among China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
On connectivity, PM Shehbaz said: “We must work together to develop reliable land, air, and rail corridors. The expansion of CPEC offers a practical model of the SCO’s vision for regional integration and economic growth.”
Stance on Gaza and Iran
In a strong condemnation of Israeli actions, PM Shehbaz criticized both the attack on Iran—a fellow SCO member—and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“Israel’s aggression against Iran is unjustified and unacceptable. The bloodshed and suffering in Gaza is a stain on our collective conscience,” he said, urging for an immediate ceasefire and the realization of a two-state solution with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem) as the capital of an independent Palestinian state.
Bilateral Meetings on Sidelines
On the sidelines of the summit, PM Shahbaz sharif met several SCO leaders, including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The two leaders discussed deepening bilateral ties and Iran’s support for Pakistan during the ongoing flood crisis.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit brought together leaders from member states including China, India, Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, and others, alongside observer and dialogue partner countries. The summit concluded on September 1.
