Tianjin, China, At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers held in Tianjin, China, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar delivered a comprehensive statement reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, multilateral cooperation, and the principles of the “Shanghai Spirit.”
Strengthening Multilateralism and SCO Unity
Mr. Dar extended heartfelt appreciation to China for its leadership and hospitality and welcomed Belarus as a new full member. He underscored Pakistan’s strong belief in the SCO’s role as a stabilizing platform amid a shifting global order, advocating sovereign equality, peaceful dispute resolution, and inclusive development.
Condemnation of Aggression and Call for Justice
Pakistan strongly condemned recent acts of aggression, including:
Israeli strikes on Iran and military actions in Gaza, calling them unjustified and in violation of international norms.
Advocated for a viable two-state solution for Palestine, with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds as the capital.
He also criticized unilateral efforts to alter the status of disputed territories and urged the international community to oppose such actions.
Regional Stability and South Asia Concerns
Mr. Dar highlighted escalating tensions in South Asia following the Pahalgam Attack and rejected accusations against Pakistan as baseless and provocative. He emphasized the need for structured dialogue, adherence to bilateral agreements, and peaceful resolution of long-standing disputes for lasting regional stability.
SCO Reforms and Functional Enhancements
Pakistan voiced support for:
Modernizing SCO structures to meet evolving challenges.
Adopting English as the third official language.
Enhancing the role of the SCO Secretariat and operational capacity.
Establishing new security centers for stronger intra-SCO cooperation.
Focus on Afghanistan, Terrorism, and Development
Mr. Dar stressed the importance of peace in Afghanistan and proposed reviving the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group. He condemned all forms of terrorism, including state terrorism, and called for a cooperative, root-cause-focused counterterrorism approach.
Economic Integration and Climate Action
Endorsed deeper economic integration through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Supported the use of national currencies for trade to reduce vulnerability to global financial shocks.
Called for creating an SCO development funding mechanism and reinforced Pakistan’s commitment to poverty alleviation and climate action.
Mr. Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to enhancing the SCO’s role as a platform for peace, prosperity, and connectivity. He called on member states to collectively shape a future based on cooperation, not confrontation.
By focusing on diplomacy, regional stability, and cooperative development, Pakistan positions itself as a proactive voice for multilateralism within the SCO framework.
