Pakistan's PM Shehbaz Ignites SCO Stage: A Call for Dialogue, Water Justice, and Regional Peace

In a powerful address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State (CHS) summit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif passionately underscored Pakistan's unwavering commitment to regional peace, stability, and shared prosperity. His remarks resonated with a clear call for dialogue, particularly highlighting the critical need to address the long-standing issues surrounding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and all other outstanding disputes with neighboring India.

The Prime Minister articulated serious concerns regarding the recent implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty, a vital agreement governing water distribution between Pakistan and India.

He emphasized that the sanctity and effectiveness of such international instruments are paramount for maintaining regional harmony and ensuring equitable resource sharing. "Pakistan remains steadfast in its belief that dialogue is the only viable pathway to resolve all bilateral issues, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir, and to ensure the full, fair, and transparent implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty," Prime Minister Sharif declared, advocating for a principled and pragmatic approach.

Beyond bilateral relations, PM Shehbaz Sharif painted a broader vision for a connected and prosperous Eurasia.

He reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to multilateralism and regional cooperation, highlighting the transformative potential of projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). As a flagship initiative of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), CPEC was presented as a catalyst for economic growth and regional connectivity, poised to unlock unparalleled opportunities for trade, infrastructure development, and people-to-people exchanges across the SCO region and beyond.

Addressing the volatile situation in Afghanistan, the Prime Minister expressed profound solidarity with the Afghan people, who continue to navigate complex challenges.

He stressed the urgent need for a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Afghanistan, governed by an inclusive setup that genuinely reflects the aspirations of all its citizens. PM Sharif urged the international community to enhance humanitarian aid and support Afghanistan's journey towards long-term stability, emphasizing that a secure Afghanistan is crucial for regional peace.

On the critical issue of terrorism, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif unequivocally called for a comprehensive and unified strategy to combat this global scourge.

He warned against the dangers of selective approaches, stressing that all forms of terrorism, irrespective of their origin or motivation, must be condemned and confronted decisively. "Terrorism, in all its manifestations, poses an existential threat to regional and global security. A coordinated and collective response is indispensable," he asserted, advocating for robust intelligence sharing and collaborative efforts.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister lent Pakistan’s voice to the growing chorus for the urgent reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

He argued that the current structure no longer adequately reflects the geopolitical realities of the 21st century and called for an expanded, more representative, and democratic body capable of addressing contemporary global challenges effectively. Pakistan's consistent stance for a more equitable global governance system was reaffirmed.

Concluding his impactful address, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called upon all SCO member states to leverage their collective strengths to forge a future characterized by enhanced cooperation, mutual respect, and shared progress.

His message was clear: in an increasingly interconnected world, genuine dialogue, adherence to international law, and robust regional partnerships are the cornerstones of lasting peace and sustainable development for all.