PM Shehbaz calls for a stronger framework to address regional concerns at the SCO summit in Islamabad.
In his opening address, Prime Minister Sharif discussed the 23rd Council of the Heads of Government (CHG) of the Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
On Wednesday, officials and delegates from over the region gathered at the summit, which was hosted at the Jinnah Convention Center. Eleven nations’ officials are present at the moot, including the host Pakistan, China, Russia, and India.
The foreign ministers of India and Iran, as well as the prime ministers of China, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, are representing the SCO member states.
Additionally attending the SCO summit in 2024 are the foreign minister of Turkmenistan as a Special Guest and the prime minister of Mongolia as an Observer State and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers.
Prime Minister Shehbaz addressed the gathering today and stated that for the SCO member states to fully take advantage of trade prospects, security in neighboring Afghanistan—which sits between South and Central Asia—is crucial.
In order to achieve sustained growth in our region, Pakistan is adamant that a stronger and more functional SCO is necessary. We should invest in our joint connection capacities, which are essential to promoting the shared vision of an economically integrated region, rather than viewing such projects through a narrow political lens.
“Let us collaborate towards a prosperous and well-integrated region that serves the interests of all Member states,” stated the prime minister.
In order to overcome barriers, promote understanding, and strengthen collaboration, he stated that Pakistan was still dedicated to promoting interpersonal relationships and cultural exchanges. He continued, “We can enhance the future of all our nations and create enduring legacies if we work together with a common goal.”
According to PM Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan reiterated its commitment to regional peace, stability, improved connectivity, and sustainable socioeconomic growth when it took over as chair of the SCO CHG last year. These factors are essential to the SCO’s advancement.
The prime minister highlighted a number of forward-thinking initiatives implemented under Pakistan’s chairmanship, including the SCO New Economic Dialogue Program, the Creative Economy framework, improved collaboration between Trade Promotion Organizations, and the SCO Economic Preference Base.
These ideas show promise, but we must now move to concrete measures and expand our collaboration in the crucial trade and economic areas through coordinated implementation.
Although Pakistan supports all SCO connection activities, PM Sharif stated that building a strong SCO connectivity framework is crucial. This framework should promote the idea of a connected Eurasia in addition to increasing regional trade.
In addition to encouraging the SCO member states to work together to address poverty, the prime minister pledged Pakistan’s help in giving these initiatives the necessary momentum to address the underlying causes of poverty and improve the standard of living for our citizens.
“The existential crisis of climate change”
Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the problem of climate change, referring to it as a “existential crisis” that cut over national boundaries. He brought up the devastating floods of 2022, which destroyed lives and destroyed property and cost the economy almost $30 billion. In order to create resilience and ensure a sustainable future for future generations, he emphasized the importance of giving environmental cooperation within the SCO top priority.
The leaders taking part were also urged by Prime Minister Shehbaz to support the development of a private sector that fosters investment and commerce within the SCO region.
He further praised the Pakistan Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry for its cooperative efforts in fostering fruitful discussions that fortify business connections with the SCO Ministers of External Affairs in Islamabad.
Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister of Pakistan, advocated on Wednesday for the regional collaboration to be strengthened by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of China.
“Expansion of BRI”
In order to improve regional collaboration, the premier advocated for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to be expanded by China.
“Prize initiatives such as President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative…should be extended with an emphasis on building road, rail, and digital infrastructure that improves integration and cooperation throughout our region,” Sharif stated in his capacity as the meeting’s chair.
China started the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a $1 trillion plan for global energy and infrastructure networks, a decade ago with the goal of connecting Asia with Africa and Europe via land and sea routes. Rivals of Beijing regard the BRI as a means by which China is extending its influence both economically and strategically.
Western nations united under the G7 framework revealed plans to start a competing broadband infrastructure development plan last year, with plans to invest $600 billion.
Noting that 40% of the world’s population resided in the ten complete member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Sharif added that CPEC will also contribute to furthering cooperation.
“Mutual respect is the foundation for cooperation.”
S Jaishankar, the Indian minister of external affairs, made the country’s declaration at the SCO moot while he was in Pakistan for the summit.
In order to make the UNSC more democratic, responsible, inclusive, transparent, efficient, and successful, he declared, “SCO should lead advocating that global institutions need to keep pace through reformed multilateralism.” We must remember the mutuality of interests and follow the dos and don’ts of the Charter if we are to redouble our efforts to achieve the SCO’s goals. SCO stands for the forces of change that are highly valued by a large portion of society. Let’s fulfill our end of the bargain.
The PM greets guests
Prior to taking a group shot, the premier had welcomed the visiting leaders.
The highest-profile event the nation has hosted in years is the SCO summit, which Prime Minister Shehbaz will lead.
Day one of the SCO moot
The 23rd Council of the Heads of Government (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member nations convened for two days in Islamabad on Tuesday.
Delegates from member states and other invited states arrived in the nation’s capital, which is heavily guarded.
Additionally, PM Shehbaz had bilateral discussions with the heads of state of Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Belarus.
During the evening, the prime minister threw a supper to welcome dignitaries from different member states.
Unfailing safety
With a focus on both security and beautifying Islamabad, the administration has prepared extensively for the occasion.
Furthermore, in order to secure the safety of roughly 900 delegates, the federal government has sent out approximately 10,000 police officers.
Before the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting in Islamabad on October 13, 2024, security officers stand guard in front of the Presidential Palace. — AFP
The event’s security has already been entrusted to the Army. In the capital, rangers are already in place.
The government of Islamabad has declared three days off for official offices, educational institutions, and commercial establishments.
To guarantee that the SCO summit runs smoothly, all marriage halls will likewise be closed.
Throughout the summit, there will be no metro bus service in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Regarding SCO
In order to foster economic, political, and security cooperation among its member states, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a regional international organization that was established in 2001.
At the previous conference, held in Bishkek on October 26, 2023, Pakistan was elected to serve as the rotating chair of the SCO CHG for the years 2023–2024.
China and Russia founded the Shanghai Cooperation institution (SCO) in 2001 as a political, economic, and Eurasian institution focused on international security and defense.
With over 24% of the world’s land area (65% of Eurasia) and 42% of its people, it is the largest regional organization in the world in terms of both population and geographic reach. By 2024, its nominal GDP as a whole will make up around 23% of the world’s total GDP, while its PPP-based GDP will make up about 36%.