Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif addressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China on Monday, emphasizing Pakistan’s respect for the sovereignty and integrity of all SCO members and neighboring countries. The Prime Minister arrived in China on Saturday to participate in the two-day Council of Heads of State summit.
Speaking at the summit, PM Shahbaz stated that Pakistan has always believed in multilateralism, dialogue, and diplomacy while rejecting unilateralism. He expressed shock and disappointment over disturbing regional developments in recent months, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to respecting international and bilateral treaties and expecting similar principles from all SCO members. This appeared to reference India’s unilateral decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty in May.
The Prime Minister stressed that uninterrupted access to water shares according to existing treaties among SCO members would strengthen the organization and support its broader goals. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire for normal and stable relationships with all neighbors, preferring dialogue and diplomacy over conflict and confrontation.
PM Shahbaz sharif pledged continued efforts with SCO members to promote regional progress and prosperity while ensuring lasting peace in South Asia. He called for comprehensive structural dialogue to address outstanding disputes, requesting consideration for leadership of such dialogue to achieve early results.
The Prime Minister emphasized Pakistan’s adherence to UN and SCO charters, describing Pakistan as a peace-loving nation that advocates dialogue, diplomacy, and consultation over confrontation. He highlighted the SCO as a platform representing Pakistan’s commitment to regional cooperation and integration, praising China’s successful tenure as SCO chair under President Xi’s leadership.
PM Shahbaz sharif commended China’s global leadership through the SCO and landmark initiatives including the Belt and Road Initiative and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. He also addressed Pakistan’s current flood crisis, noting unprecedented torrential rains and flooding affecting three major rivers, causing significant loss of life, livestock, and damage to infrastructure and crops. He expressed appreciation for international solidarity and support, particularly from China.
The Prime Minister opened his speech by noting that Tianjin, the summit’s host city, represents China’s core values as a cultural and civilizational connector. He thanked President Xi and the Chinese government for their hospitality and extended congratulations to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on their respective national days.
Addressing terrorism concerns, PM Shahbaz revealed that Pakistan possesses irrefutable evidence of foreign involvement in the March Jaffar Express hijacking. The train, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar with 440 passengers, was hijacked near Balochistan’s Sibi area on March 11, resulting in at least 26 deaths, including 18 security personnel. All 33 terrorists were eliminated during a two-day operation.
The Prime Minister stated that Pakistan has irrefutable evidence of foreign hands in the Jaffar Express incident and countless other terrorist attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. He declared that those using terrorism to advance political interests should know the world no longer accepts their fictitious narratives.
PM Shahbaz sharif noted that terrorism, separatism, and extremism continue threatening Pakistan and regional peace and security. He condemned terrorism in all forms, including state terrorism, recalling Pakistan’s sacrifices in combating terrorism for regional and global benefit. Pakistan has lost over 90,000 lives and suffered economic losses exceeding $152 billion, which he described as an unparalleled sacrifice demonstrating unwavering commitment to defeating terrorism.
Regarding Afghanistan, the Prime Minister expressed Pakistan’s desire for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, benefiting not only Pakistan but the entire region. He mentioned ongoing engagement with Afghan leadership to develop economic partnerships and good neighborly relations, expressing hope for positive results from trilateral meetings between China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
PM Shahbaz sharif emphasized the importance of enhanced regional connectivity, requiring efficient land, air, and rail transport corridors for reliable supply chains. He asserted that CPEC expansion could demonstrate the SCO’s vision for regional connectivity and economic integration.
The Prime Minister also condemned Israel’s attacks on Iran in June and the ongoing violence in Gaza. He called Israel’s aggression against fellow SCO member Iran unjustified and unacceptable, describing Gaza’s suffering as a festering wound on collective conscience. He reiterated calls for immediate cessation of violence in Gaza and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the UN-mandated two-state solution, advocating for an independent Palestinian state with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
