Islamabad, September 1, 2025(Kamran Raja):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday underscored the importance of regional cooperation, dialogue, and peace under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). He urged the Organization’s leadership to initiate a comprehensive and structured dialogue to address longstanding disputes in South Asia.
Highlighting Pakistan’s steadfast support for multilateralism, the Prime Minister said that the SCO remains a platform that best represents Pakistan’s abiding commitment to regional cooperation and integration.
“Pakistan has always believed in the power of multilateralism, dialogue and diplomacy, and shunning unilateralism,” the Prime Minister said, expressing concern over disturbing regional developments in recent months.
He reaffirmed that Pakistan seeks normal and stable relations with its neighbors, advocating dialogue over confrontation.
On regional security, the Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms, including what he termed “state terrorism.” He recalled Pakistan’s unparalleled sacrifices in the fight against extremism, with over 90,000 lives lost and economic losses exceeding $152 billion. He said that foreign elements were involved in recent terrorist incidents in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the Jaffar Express train hostage attack.
The Prime Minister also strongly condemned Israel’s unjustified aggression against Iran, a fellow SCO member, and called for an immediate end to the bloodshed in Gaza. Reaffirming Pakistan’s principled stance, he said Pakistan supports a two-state solution with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the capital of Palestine.
On Afghanistan, the Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s support for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, which he said was vital for the benefit of the entire region. He expressed hope that trilateral cooperation between Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan would yield positive outcomes.
Addressing climate change challenges, the Prime Minister drew attention to the devastating floods in Pakistan caused by torrential rains, which have resulted in massive human and economic losses. He thanked the international community, particularly China, for their solidarity and support. Despite challenges, the Prime Minister noted that Pakistan is on the path of economic recovery, citing reduced inflation, a current account surplus, and rising capital market activity. He outlined Pakistan’s economic transformation strategy based on three pillars:
Export-led growth;
Foreign investment in key sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, IT, AI, minerals, and energy;
Comprehensive tax reforms.
He further emphasized the importance of youth empowerment, stating that Pakistan is creating new opportunities for meaningful employment and innovation, transforming its youth into a key asset for national development.
The Prime Minister lauded China’s successful chairmanship of the SCO, describing it as a reflection of President Xi Jinping’s visionary leadership. He praised initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI). He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), terming it a flagship project of BRI and a practical demonstration of SCO’s vision for connectivity and economic integration.
Calling for enhanced regional connectivity, the Prime Minister stressed the need for efficient land, air, and rail corridors to strengthen supply chain reliability.
He also extended heartfelt felicitations to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on the occasion of their National Days.