Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, leading the Pakistani delegation, advocated for multilateralism and dialogue during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State (CHS) and SCO CHS Plus summits in Tianjin, China, from August 31st to September 1st, 2025. A Foreign Office statement released on Monday detailed the Prime Minister’s pronouncements.

Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to the “Shanghai Spirit,” emphasizing mutual trust, respect, shared prosperity, and advancement. He stressed Pakistan’s adherence to the UN and SCO Charters, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all SCO members and urging unhindered water access according to treaties.

The premier stated Pakistan’s desire for amicable ties with neighbors, favoring diplomacy over conflict, and urged comprehensive dialogue to address outstanding disputes in South Asia. He condemned terrorism and highlighted Pakistan’s sacrifices for regional stability, presenting proof of external involvement in terror attacks.

Sharif outlined Pakistan’s economic plan focused on trade expansion, innovation, and enhanced revenue generation. He also strongly criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, demanding a ceasefire, and denounced the attack on fellow SCO member Iran.

Emphasizing Afghanistan’s impact on the SCO region, Sharif called for engagement with Afghanistan. He praised SCO’s focus on connectivity, highlighting Pakistan’s strategic location and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

The CHS addressed key regional and global issues, adopting the Tianjin Declaration and statements on various cooperation areas. Agreements were signed to establish new SCO centers in Moscow and Dushanbe. Plans, strategies, and the SCO Development Strategy until 2035 were also approved.

At the SCO CHS Plus meeting, Sharif advocated for multilateralism, peaceful dispute resolution, and innovation-driven growth. He welcomed Laos as a new Dialogue Partner and President Xi’s Global Governance Initiative.

The Prime Minister held bilateral discussions with leaders on the sidelines, focusing on strengthening ties. Pakistan, a full member since 2017, actively participates in SCO activities and hosted the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in 2024. The CHS, SCO’s highest decision-making body, provides strategic direction.