Islamabad (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his keynote address at the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation to navigate global transformations and ensure peace and prosperity.
Speaking at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad, where Pakistan hosted the highest-profile event in years, the prime minister highlighted the pivotal moment of transition for regional powers, as they face rapid changes reshaping the global political, economic, and security landscape.
“From this esteemed platform of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a symbol of multilateralism, I stand with the belief that we not only have the potential but the collective will to forge a future of prosperity and security for our people—an inclusive future that reflects the shared aspirations of all member states,” said PM Shehbaz.
He stressed the significance of Afghanistan’s stability for regional trade and transit, noting that a peaceful Afghanistan is essential for unlocking economic opportunities for SCO member states.
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He called on the international community to extend humanitarian aid to Afghanistan and urged the Taliban-led government to ensure political inclusivity and prevent Afghan soil from being used for terrorism.
The summit, attended by leaders from China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Iran, and India, provided a platform to discuss trade, economic cooperation, and regional security challenges.
Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar’s participation marked a significant diplomatic moment, being the first Indian foreign minister to visit Pakistan in nearly a decade.
The SCO, which represents about 40 percent of the world’s population and 30 percent of its GDP, remains a crucial platform for regional dialogue, despite political differences among its members.
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The two-day summit is expected to conclude with the adoption of various documents to enhance cooperation among member states and the approval of the SCO budget.
The event, held under tight security, saw Islamabad and Rawalpindi virtually shut down, with thousands of police and security forces deployed to ensure smooth proceedings.
PM Shehbaz will also host an official luncheon for the visiting leaders, and the summit will conclude with remarks by Pakistan’s finance minister Ishaq Dar and SCO Secretary-General Zhang Ming, who will brief the media on the key outcomes of the summit.
