ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said terrorism in all its forms and manifestations should be condemned in “Clear and unambiguous terms”. “There can be no justification for killing of innocent people regardless of cause or pretext,” he said while addressing virtual summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) hosted by India.

He called for joint action by member states of SCO to address common challenges of economic recession, terrorism and climate change. “Hydra-headed monster of terrorism and extremism, whether committed by individuals, societies or states must be fought with full vigour and conviction,” he made it clear. Sharif advised India against using terrorism for diplomatic point-scoring, saying terror activities remain serious obstacle to peace in region. He said “Monster” of terrorism and extremism must be fought with vigour and determination by all SCO states. He pointed out that diplomatic point-scoring must be avoided by all countries and said all forms of terrorism, including state terrorism, must be condemned.

“There is no justification for killing people. Also, religious minorities should not be marginalised in garb of political agenda,” he said.

Sharif said SCO countries must take concerted actions against terrorism, extremism and separatism both in their national capacities and also under framework of SCO-RATS (Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure).

Stability in Afghanistan was critical for achieving this “Common objective”, saying world was presently at “Standstill” with war-torn country. Terming peace and security common concern, he said stability in Afghanistan was critical to achieving common objective. He highlighted impending grave humanitarian crisis and economic meltdown in Afghanistan. It needed urgent corrective measures by interim Afghan government and international community.

PM Sharif said SCO leaders were meeting at critical juncture as world faced socio-economic challenges. He stressed that regional organisation could play role of “Beacon of peace, stability and progress”. Terming regional connectivity defining feature of modern economy, he emphasised focusing on investment in this area as “Vehicle of peace and prosperity”.

He mentioned that China Pakistan Economic Corridor-flagship project of Belt and Road Initiative could become game-changer of progress in view of Pakistan’s location connecting region. On Islamophobia, he said peace and communal harmony were need of hour. He emphasised adhering to resolutions of UN Security Council to settle issues amicably before it was too late. During SCO meeting, global leaders deliberated on important global and regional issues and chart future direction of cooperation among SCO member states.

Published in The Daily National Courier, July, 05 2023

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