SCO Summit: Emphasis on Multilateralism, Counter-terrorism, and Economic Integration

Strategic Insights -

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that terrorism remains a serious threat to regional and global stability, and warned that the international community no longer accepts those who use terrorism as a tool for political gain. Pakistan possesses irrefutable evidence of foreign involvement in the Jaffar Express train hostage incident, as well as numerous other terrorist attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Key Takeaways:

  • Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including state-sponsored terrorism, and emphasized that Pakistan has rendered great sacrifices in combatting terrorism.
  • Pakistan seeks normal relations with all its neighbors and prefers dialogue and diplomacy over confrontation, and has called for a comprehensive and structured dialogue to address all outstanding disputes in South Asia.
  • Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to the 'Shanghai Spirit' that stands for mutual trust and respect for shared prosperity and development, and has underscored that Pakistan respects sovereignty and territorial integrity of all SCO members as well as all international and bilateral treaties.
  • The SCO Development Strategy until 2035 was adopted, which will help to strengthen the bloc's goal of building an alternative payment system that avoids reliance on the U.S. dollar and U.S. sanctions.
  • China will provide 2 billion yuan (approximately $280 million) in free aid to SCO member states this year, and an additional 10 billion yuan in loans will be made available through the SCO banking consortium.
  • Pakistan has welcomed SCO's commitment to cooperation in development and assured that Pakistan would contribute as a reliable partner, and has emphasized the importance of shared responsibility in the current climate crises.

Statistics:

  • 2 billion yuan (approximately $280 million) in free aid to SCO member states will be provided by China this year.
  • An additional 10 billion yuan in loans will be made available through the SCO banking consortium.
  • The SCO Development Strategy until 2035 is aimed at strengthening the bloc's goal of building an alternative payment system that avoids reliance on the U.S. dollar and U.S. sanctions.

Sources:

  • "Pakistan Newsroom" citing the Prime Minister's Office
  • "SCO Summit Communiqué"
  • "China Daily"