SCO provides 'shade of security and stability for all of us': PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivered a speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, highlighting the platform's role in providing security and stability for its members. The premier described the SCO as "historic" and expressed gratitude to Kyrgyz President Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Japarov for the hospitality and arrangements made for the summit.

Shehbaz emphasized that the SCO now represents a collective resolve to navigate through global challenges such as geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation, climate crises, and technological transformation. He affirmed Pakistan's commitment to resolving disputes peacefully through international law and its support for the principles of the UN and SCO charters.

Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan's role in advocating peace and playing an honest mediator in a regional crisis triggered by a violation of SCO member state sovereignty. He also noted Pakistan's efforts in signing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which promotes regional de-escalation and peace, and the recent trilateral defence pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye, termed the "Makkah Defence Alliance" as a defensive pact.

The premier called for the international community to honor its commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and urged all nations to respect and honor binding treaties like the Indus Waters Treaty, which must not be exploited for political leverage.