PM Shehbaz Sharif Calls for Peace, Connectivity, and Justice at SCO Summit in China

TIANJIN, September 1, 2025 – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the 25th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of State Council, stressing regional peace, cooperation, and economic integration while highlighting Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.

Regional Peace and Dialogue

• PM Sharif urged the SCO to launch a “comprehensive and structured dialogue” to resolve long-standing South Asian disputes.
• He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism and diplomacy, emphasizing that stable ties with neighbors remain Pakistan’s goal.
• He raised the issue of the Indus Waters Treaty, stressing that uninterrupted access to Pakistan’s share of water is vital for regional peace and treaty obligations must be respected.

Terrorism and Security

• The Prime Minister condemned terrorism in all forms, including “state terrorism.”
• He reminded the summit of Pakistan’s heavy price: over 90,000 lives lost and $152 billion in economic damage.
• He alleged foreign involvement in recent terror incidents in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, citing the Jaffar Express hostage attack as one example.
• He said the world no longer accepts narratives that misuse terrorism for political gain.

Economic Growth and Connectivity

• PM Sharif praised China’s leadership of the SCO and highlighted the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and CPEC as models of regional integration.
• He proposed expanding CPEC as a practical step toward SCO’s connectivity vision.
• He outlined Pakistan’s economic transformation plan, built on three pillars:
  • Export-led growth
  • Foreign investment in infrastructure, agriculture, IT, and energy
  • Comprehensive tax reforms

Global and Regional Issues

• The PM strongly condemned Israeli aggression against Iran and called for an end to the bloodshed in Gaza.
• He reiterated Pakistan’s support for a two-state solution with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as Palestine’s capital.
• On Afghanistan, he stressed support for a peaceful and stable future, welcoming trilateral cooperation with China and Afghanistan.
• He also spoke about the flood devastation in Pakistan and thanked international partners, especially China, for their assistance.

Bottom Line

PM Sharif’s address placed Pakistan at the heart of the SCO’s agenda: advocating peace, demanding justice, and pushing for connectivity. His remarks tied Pakistan’s national concerns with regional cooperation, signaling Islamabad’s continued reliance on multilateral diplomacy and strategic partnerships.

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