Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for the expansion of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and emphasized the need for strengthening regional connectivity during the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, held in Islamabad on Wednesday.
The summit, attended by leaders from SCO member states, focused on key issues related to trade, economic cooperation, and regional integration.
In his address at the summit, PM Shehbaz stressed that projects like the BRI, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) should be expanded to enhance road, rail, and digital infrastructure across the region.
“Let us not look at such projects through the narrow political prism, and invest in our collective connectivity capacity, which is crucial in advancing the shared vision of an economically integrated region,” the prime minister said.
As the current Chair of the Council of the Heads of Government (CHG), PM Shehbaz presided over the high-level meeting, marking a significant diplomatic event for Pakistan. He noted that economic collaboration is central to the SCO’s mission, and investment in regional infrastructure is vital for promoting economic integration.
The SCO, a Eurasian security and political bloc founded in 2001 by China and Russia, includes Pakistan, India, and other Central Asian nations as full members. The bloc’s agenda emphasizes regional security, economic cooperation, and joint efforts to combat terrorism and extremism.
PM Shehbaz also addressed the global challenges of poverty and climate change, recalling the devastating floods that struck Pakistan in 2022, causing $30 billion in economic losses. He called for international support to bolster disaster preparedness and highlighted Pakistan’s leadership in the SCO’s special working group on poverty alleviation.
The premier proposed that the SCO endorse a strategy for energy cooperation by 2030 and establish an Association of Investors to boost economic development within the region. He also supported the use of mutual currencies for settlement within the SCO, highlighting the importance of shielding member states from global financial disruptions.
Key SCO Member Attendance
The summit saw the participation of leaders and high-ranking officials from member states including Russia, China, and Central Asian countries, as well as observers and dialogue partners. China’s Premier Li Qiang, making his first visit to Pakistan in 11 years, was a key attendee, while India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar represented his country. Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus were also represented by high-level delegations.
The prime minister concluded his address by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and connectivity, urging the international community to provide urgent humanitarian support to Afghanistan. He emphasized the need for Afghanistan to embrace political inclusivity and ensure that its soil is not used for terrorism against its neighbors.
