Islamabad 4 July 2023 (WAI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan addressed the virtual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on July 4, 2023, expressing warm congratulations to Kazakhstan on assuming the Chairmanship of the SCO for 2023-24 and extending a warm welcome to Iran’s accession as a full member. He also anticipated welcoming Belarus, another friend of Pakistan, as a Full Member at the next summit.
Prime Minister Sharif reiterated the urgent need to condemn terrorism in all its forms, including state terrorism, in unambiguous terms. He emphasized that killing innocent people can never be justified, regardless of the cause or pretext. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of not demonizing religious minorities in pursuit of domestic political agendas, emphasizing the need for respect and tolerance.
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Turning his attention to Afghanistan, Prime Minister Sharif expressed concern over the current impasse and its detrimental consequences on the Afghan people. He stressed that critical support, necessary to avert a humanitarian crisis, prevent an economic meltdown, and combat terrorism, must not be withheld. He demanded a swift response from the international community to deal with Afghanistan’s pressing problems.
Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the need for global solidarity and united response by highlighting the pressing issue of climate change. He stressed that climate-induced disasters are imminent and threaten humanity’s survival. Calling for swift action, he asserted that the time to act is now, urging all nations to join hands in tackling this global crisis.
In his pursuit of sustainable peace, Prime Minister Sharif underlined the importance of guaranteeing fundamental rights and freedoms to all, including those living under occupation. He called for peace and communal harmony to replace violent ultra-nationalism and xenophobic ideologies, specifically condemning Islamophobia.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded his address by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the principles of the SCO and its dedication to working closely with member states to foster regional cooperation, stability, and prosperity.
