Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivered a significant address at the 24th summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Astana, Kazakhstan. His speech underscored the critical importance of collaborative action against terrorism and extremism, aligning with the principles of the SCO.
PM Shehbaz Sharif’s Key Points
Terrorism and Extremism: A Collective Challenge
PM Shehbaz Sharif highlighted terrorism and extremism as pressing global issues that require a unified approach. He stressed the SCO’s role in fostering regional peace and stability.
Afghanistan’s Role in Regional Security
The Prime Minister emphasized Afghanistan’s pivotal role in regional security and stability. He called on the interim Afghan government to prevent its territory from being used as a base for terrorist activities against any nation.
Regional and International Issues Addressed
PM Shehbaz Sharif’s address covered a wide array of regional and international issues, including Islamophobia, poverty alleviation, climate change, and regional connectivity. He advocated for a comprehensive approach to these challenges.
Pakistan’s Commitment to SCO Objectives
Regional Connectivity Initiatives
Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity through initiatives such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). These projects aim to strengthen economic integration within the SCO region.
SCO’s Role as a Transregional Organization
Astana holds symbolic significance for Pakistan, having formally joined SCO in 2017. Shehbaz Sharif highlighted SCO’s evolution into a credible transregional organization and endorsed initiatives aimed at promoting stability and prosperity.
Economic Proposals within SCO
The Prime Minister proposed leveraging national currencies within SCO to mitigate financial shocks and supported the establishment of an alternate development fund mechanism to accelerate stalled initiatives.
Regional Concerns: Gaza and Palestine
Condemnation of Israeli Actions
PM Shehbaz Sharif condemned Israeli actions in Gaza, describing them as genocide against Palestinians. He called for international accountability and immediate humanitarian aid access in Gaza.
Support for Palestinian Statehood
Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s stance in favor of a two-state solution for Palestine, advocating for the establishment of a Palestinian state with Al-Quds as its capital.
Conclusion
Commitment to Multilateralism
In conclusion, PM Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism in addressing global challenges. He emphasized the peaceful resolution of disputes and denounced unilateral actions that undermine international peace and security.
Domestic Considerations
Upon returning to Pakistan, PM Shehbaz Sharif addressed rumors regarding a potential multi-party conference (MPC) to discuss the government’s new counterterrorism strategy, clarifying that no decision had been made yet.
Final Thoughts
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s address at the SCO Summit underscored Pakistan’s proactive role in regional stability and its commitment to collaborative efforts within the SCO framework.
