TIANJIN: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday accused foreign elements of orchestrating terrorist attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the Jaffar Express train hostage incident.
Condemning terrorism in all its forms, including “state terrorism,” he reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to confront the menace and highlighted the country’s unparalleled sacrifices in the war against terror.
Addressing the 25th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Tianjin, Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the SCO charter and the values of the “Shanghai Spirit.”
He said the forum reflects Pakistan’s vision of regional integration, connectivity, and shared progress. He pointed to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project, as a practical demonstration of SCO’s goals.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all SCO members and neighbours, urging reciprocal adherence to treaties. He stressed the importance of fair access to water resources under existing agreements, saying this would enhance regional cooperation.
Sharif said Pakistan believes in multilateralism, dialogue, and diplomacy, and seeks “normal and stable relations” with its neighbours. He called for structured dialogue to resolve disputes in South Asia, underlining that peace is vital for prosperity.
On Afghanistan, he said stability there is crucial for the region, expressing confidence that trilateral engagements among Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan would yield results.
Sharif also mentioned the devastation caused by recent floods in Pakistan, thanking the international community, especially China, for support. Despite challenges, he noted Pakistan has made strides in economic recovery over the past eighteen months.
On Palestine, he urged an immediate end to Israeli “gruesome violence and bloodshed” in Gaza and reaffirmed support for a two-state solution with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the capital of an independent Palestinian state.
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