BEIJING: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif emphasized the urgent need for the international community to ensure a peaceful resolution of long-standing disputes such as Kashmir and Palestine, calling them persistent threats to global peace and security.
He put up the demand addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Conference in Beijing.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Defence, Khawaja Asif reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the principles and objectives of the SCO.
He also expressed serious concern over ongoing global conflicts, underscoring their detrimental impact on regional and international stability.
The minister strongly condemned Israel’s unjustified and illegal military actions against Iran, and expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis and violent assaults in Gaza.
He urged the immediate implementation of a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, stressing the need for urgent international intervention to halt the suffering of civilians.
Highlighting terrorism as a shared threat, he called for collective efforts to combat terrorism, while warning against politicizing counterterrorism initiatives.
He emphasized that peace and stability in Afghanistan were essential for achieving the SCO’s vision of sustainable regional prosperity.
