ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, stressing the importance of peace, regional cooperation, and multilateralism.

The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to respecting the sovereignty of all member states, saying that Pakistan prefers dialogue and diplomacy over conflict. He urged members to ensure full implementation of water-sharing agreements to secure lasting peace and development in the region.

Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned all forms of terrorism, including state terrorism, and pointed to foreign involvement in recent attacks in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Jaffer Express incident. He also denounced Israel’s assault on Gaza, calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and condemned attacks on Iran.

On Afghanistan, he said instability there affects the entire region and called for meaningful engagement. The PM also highlighted Pakistan’s economic plan built on trade expansion, innovation, and revenue growth, emphasizing CPEC as a key project for regional integration.

According to the Foreign Office, SCO members approved the establishment of a Universal Center in Moscow and an Anti-Drug Center in Dushanbe, along with a 2035 development strategy. The PM welcomed Laos as a new dialogue partner and praised President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative.

On the sidelines, Shehbaz Sharif met with leaders of member states to discuss political, economic, and trade relations.

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