Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan's solemn resolve and commitment to realise the true potential of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. He was addressing the SCO Plus Summit in Bishkek today. As Pakistan assumes the chairmanship of the SCO, the Prime Minister said the country shall be guided by the conviction that the SCO must deliver tangible dividends to its peoples.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to prioritise information technology and artificial intelligence, energy development and poverty reduction, disaster management, health, culture, and sports. He also called for greater efforts to elevate the SCO to even greater heights.

Addressing the issue of terrorism, Shehbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan remains fully committed to advancing the shared objectives under the SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure in combating the three evils of terrorism, separatism, and religious extremism. He mentioned that Pakistan believes terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including state terrorism, must be condemned in clear and unambiguous terms. He highlighted the need to effectively stop terrorist groups that use Afghan territory to attack Pakistan and other neighbouring countries.

The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of water, describing it as the lifeblood of the region. He emphasized that water sustains millions of lives, nourishes lands, and secures the future of coming generations. He stated that water must never be weaponised or used as an instrument of political coercion. Treaties governing shared waters, he said, are binding commitments that must be honoured unconditionally in letter and spirit.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister invited the participants to attend the next edition of the SCO Plus meeting, which will be held in Islamabad in 2027.