PM assures Pakistan's support for peace in SCO region

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support and commitment to address common challenges and realize the shared dreams of peace, prosperity, stability and enhanced connectivity in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) region.

Addressing the 23rd meeting of SCO Council of Heads of State through video link, he asked the SCO countries to take concerted and immediate actions both in their national capacities as well as collectively to combat the three evils of terrorism, extremism and separatism.

Prime Minister stressed that terrorism and extremism whether committed by individuals, societies or states must be fought with full vigor and conviction.  

Shehbaz Sharif stated: “Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including state terrorism must be condemned in clear and unambiguous terms”.

There can be no justification for the killing of innocent people. Similarly religious minorities should never be demonized in the pursuit of domestic political agendas, he added.

The premier also said that fundamental rights and freedoms must be guaranteed to all including those under occupation, adding that peace and communal harmony should replace violent ultra-nationalism and xenophobic ideologies especially Islamophobia.

“We should resolutely oppose divisive policies based on prejudice and discrimination. There should be no place for the wilful provocations and incitement to hatred especially on religious grounds, added the PM.

Shehbaz pointed out that SCO stands for observance of United Nations (UN) principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and people's right to self-determination.

He continued to say we must ensure these universally recognized principles within the SCO borders for friendly relations amongst the nations.

The prime minister further added: “The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions offer us a workable framework for the resolution of some longstanding disputes in the region. These must be addressed immediately and settled amicably before it is too late”.

Highlighting the significance of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan to unlock the true economic potential of the SCO region, he stated the international community should meaningfully engage with the interim Afghan government.

“Concrete measures should also be taken by the interim Afghan government to ensure that its soil is not used for terrorism by any entity,” said the former Chief Minister of Punjab.

Referring to the threat posed by Climate Change to humanity's survival, the Prime Minister urged the developed world to deliver on their assurances and provide enhanced support to the developing countries in mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change.

He also emphasized that climate change demands global solidarity and a global response. It is time to act and we must act now and immediately.

Focusing on investing in connectivity projects, the Prime Minister said: “Building efficient transport corridors and reliable supply chains are crucial elements to achieve the shared vision of an economically integrated region”.

Sharif further added that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) can be a game changer for connectivity, stability, peace and prosperity in this entire region.

He said that Pakistan's location serves as a natural bridge connecting Europe and Central Asia with China, South Asia and the Middle East. Special economic zones being set up under the CPEC framework have direct access to our ports which can serve as convenient conduits for regional trade promotion.

Pakistan plans to host the SCO conference on Transport Connectivity for Regional Prosperity in the last quarter of current year, he informed.  

Prime Minister also stressed greater collaboration for poverty alleviation, stating that special working group on poverty alleviation proposed by Pakistan has become operational.

He expressed the confidence that it will provide an impetus to our collective efforts to eliminate poverty and improve the living standards of the people.

At the outset, the Prime Minister felicitated Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Iran's accession to SCO as a full member, expressing the confidence that its inclusion will immensely benefit the organization.

“We also look forward to welcoming Belarus as a full member at the next summit,” said Shairf.

He also congratulated Bahrain, Kuwait, Maldives, Myanmar and United Arab Emirates (UAE) on their accession as new dialogue partners.