PM Sharif Highlights Pakistan’s Sacrifices, Regional Peace, and Economic Recovery at SCO Summit
At the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s significant sacrifices in the fight against extremism, noting that the country has lost over 90,000 lives and suffered economic losses exceeding $152 billion.
“Those who have long exploited terrorism for political gains must understand that the world no longer accepts this narrative,” he said, pointing to foreign involvement in recent terror incidents in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy. He urged SCO leaders to initiate a structured dialogue to resolve longstanding disputes in South Asia, emphasizing that Pakistan seeks stable, normal relations with its neighbors and prefers dialogue over confrontation.
On the issue of Palestine, the prime minister condemned Israel’s “unjustified aggression” against Iran and ongoing violence in Gaza, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the capital of Palestine.
Regarding Afghanistan, Sharif expressed Pakistan’s support for a peaceful and stable Kabul, adding that trilateral cooperation with China and Afghanistan could benefit the entire region.
Highlighting Pakistan’s support for multilateralism, he described the SCO as a platform reflecting the country’s commitment to regional cooperation and integration. “Pakistan has always believed in the power of multilateralism, dialogue, and diplomacy, rejecting unilateral approaches,” he said, expressing concern over recent disturbing developments in the region.
The prime minister also drew attention to climate-induced challenges, citing the devastating floods in Pakistan, and thanked China and the international community for their support.
On the economic front, Sharif highlighted signs of recovery, including reduced inflation, a current account surplus, and growing investor confidence. He outlined a transformation plan focused on export-led growth, foreign investment in key sectors, and comprehensive tax reforms, while emphasizing youth empowerment as a cornerstone for development through employment and innovation opportunities.
Praising China’s chairmanship of the SCO under President Xi Jinping, Sharif lauded initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and other global projects, including the GDI, GSI, and GCI. He called for enhanced regional connectivity through land, air, and rail corridors, noting that the expansion of CPEC could serve as a practical example of the SCO’s vision for integration and shared prosperity.
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