ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for investing in region’s collective capacity for connectivity as he chaired 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit.

Taliban rulers must ensure Afghan soil isn’t misused for terrorism, says PM Shehbaz at event attended by 10 regional nations

Pakistan has urged member states to prioritise collective efforts for regional security and stability amid rapidly changing global landscape.

“We are at historic moment of transition where sweeping transformations are reshaping global, social, political, economic and security landscape,” he said.

SCO comprises China, India, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus-with 16 more countries affiliated as observers or “Dialogue partners”.

PM Shehbaz says poverty “Moral imperative”, climate change an “Existential crisis”. PM said, “Stable Afghanistan essential” for region’s benefits. In closing remarks, Shehbaz asserts “Ongoing genocide” in Gaza cannot be ignored.

Addressing summit, he said, “Flagship projects like Belt and Road Initiative of President Xi Jinping, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is in its second phase and international north-south transport corridor should be expanded, focusing on developing road, rail and digital infrastructure.

“Let us not look at such projects through narrow political prism and invest in our collective connectivity capacity which is crucial in advancing shared vision of an economically integrated region,” he added.

He said SCO connectivity framework “Should not merely boost regional trade but also advance vision of connected Eurasia”.

He called on SCO members to “Endorse strategy for development of Energy Cooperation 2030 and establishment of Association of Investors”.

“I am confident that, together, we can build bright future for people of SCO region and beyond,” he said.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 17 2024

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