Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has called for stronger regional cooperation, peaceful resolution of disputes and respect for international law while addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek.
In his address, the Prime Minister emphasised the importance of the SCO as a key platform for promoting regional and international peace, stability and cooperation, describing the organisation’s completion of 25 years as an important milestone.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed that Pakistan remains an active and responsible member of the SCO and is committed to working with fellow member states to address shared regional and global challenges through dialogue, cooperation and collective action.
The Prime Minister noted that the international environment is currently facing increasing geopolitical tensions and stressed the importance of collective efforts to address emerging challenges. He said the SCO represents a manifestation of the shared commitment of its member states to confront common challenges and promote stability across the region.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding position in favour of the peaceful resolution of disputes, dialogue and adherence to international law, stressing that sustainable regional peace can only be achieved through cooperation rather than confrontation.
The Prime Minister said recent regional crises had highlighted the importance of secure and reliable energy corridors and stronger regional connectivity. He noted that Pakistan had played an effective role in promoting peace during a recent regional crisis and highlighted Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts that contributed to the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
According to the Prime Minister, the memorandum represents an important step toward reducing tensions in the region and demonstrates the potential of diplomacy and dialogue to address complex regional challenges. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to pursuing sustainable peace and stability throughout the region.
One of the central themes of the Prime Minister’s address was the importance of water security. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed that water is the lifeline of the region and a guarantee for the future of coming generations. He made clear that the use of water for political purposes or as an instrument of pressure is unacceptable, emphasising that shared water resources should be managed responsibly and in accordance with established international commitments. He further stressed that international agreements must be implemented fully, both in letter and in spirit, underscoring the importance of respecting international obligations in order to prevent disputes and ensure long-term regional stability.
Addressing the broader regional situation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that South Asia cannot achieve its full potential without sustainable peace. He called for an environment in which countries can focus on economic development, trade, connectivity and improving the welfare of their populations rather than remaining trapped in cycles of tension and confrontation.
The Prime Minister’s remarks underscored Pakistan’s position that regional economic integration and prosperity are closely connected with peace and stability.
Speaking on the situation in Palestine, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, describing the suffering endured by the Palestinian people as an unimaginable human tragedy. He called upon the international community to respect the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and to support efforts aimed at addressing the humanitarian crisis and achieving a just and lasting resolution to the Palestinian question.
The Prime Minister also highlighted terrorism as one of the most serious threats confronting the region. He recalled the enormous human and economic sacrifices made by Pakistan during its long campaign against terrorism, stating that the country had lost more than 90,000 lives in the fight against terrorism. Pakistan, he added, had also suffered economic losses exceeding US$150 billion as a result of terrorism and related instability. The Prime Minister stressed that these sacrifices demonstrated Pakistan’s longstanding commitment to combating terrorism and promoting regional security.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s desire to see a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan. At the same time, he stressed that Afghan territory must not be allowed to be used by terrorists against Pakistan. He called for effective measures to prevent terrorist groups from operating from Afghan soil and posing threats to neighbouring countries.
The Prime Minister’s remarks reflected Pakistan’s continued emphasis on regional cooperation to address cross-border security challenges while supporting peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s address highlighted Pakistan’s broader vision of a region built around peace, dialogue, connectivity, economic cooperation and mutual respect. He emphasised that sustainable development and regional prosperity require a stable security environment, respect for international law and responsible management of shared resources. His remarks at the SCO Summit reinforced Pakistan’s commitment to playing a constructive role in regional diplomacy and working with SCO member states to address common challenges.
As the SCO marks its 25th anniversary, Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the organisation as a platform for dialogue, cooperation and collective action in pursuit of regional peace, stability and prosperity.
