BEIJING: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s address at the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has been described as a clear demonstration of Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, development, and multilateral cooperation.
Prof. Cheng Xizhong, Senior Research Fellow at the Charhar Institute, while talking to a news agency that the prime minister’s speech not only reflected Pakistan’s determination to safeguard national interests but also its readiness to tackle domestic and international challenges amid the evolving global situation. He said the address carried significant weight in strengthening regional understanding of Pakistan and deepening its cooperation with the international community.
During his remarks at the SCO summit, PM Shehbaz stressed the urgent need to foster dialogue and regional cooperation within the SCO framework. He called on SCO leaders to initiate structured discussions to resolve long-standing disputes in South Asia, emphasizing Pakistan’s faith in multilateralism as the most viable path to peace.
The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering condemnation of all forms of terrorism, including what he termed “state terrorism,” underlining that terrorism cannot be justified in any form. Pakistan’s firm position, he noted, stems from its own decades-long struggle against extremism, and sends a strong message to the global community.
Highlighting Pakistan’s foreign policy priorities, PM Shehbaz reaffirmed support for multilateralism, dialogue, and diplomacy, while firmly opposing unilateral actions. He said Pakistan continues to pursue peaceful and stable relations with neighboring countries, promoting engagement over confrontation to ensure a secure and cooperative regional environment.
On the Middle East crisis, the prime minister demanded an immediate end to bloodshed in Gaza and reaffirmed Pakistan’s full support for a “two-state solution,” with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. He said this stance underscored Pakistan’s principled commitment to justice and its solidarity with oppressed communities.
Addressing Afghanistan, PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s support for a stable and peaceful Afghanistan, stressing that its security is vital for both South and Central Asia. He pointed to Pakistan’s active role in trilateral cooperation with China and Afghanistan, aimed at reconstruction, development, and regional connectivity.
Prof. Cheng said PM Shehbaz’s speech at the SCO Summit was widely acknowledged by member states and reflects Pakistan’s resolve to uphold the “Shanghai Spirit.” He noted that Pakistan’s active engagement in areas such as agriculture, green growth, and digital economy under the SCO framework will further accelerate multilateral cooperation, foster regional stability, and drive sustainable prosperity across the region.
