PM Shehbaz Sharif Urges Taliban to Prevent Afghan Soil from Being Used for Terrorism at SCO Summit

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, addressing the SCO Council of Heads of State Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Thursday, called on the interim Taliban government to ensure that Afghan territory is not used for terrorism against any nation. He emphasized that regional peace hinges on this commitment.

Key Points from the Summit:

1. Regional Peace and Stability:
   • Prime Minister Sharif underscored the importance of peace and stability in the region as a prerequisite for economic development.
   • He called upon SCO member states to engage with Afghan authorities to help curb terrorism.
2. International Engagement:
   • He advocated for meaningful international engagement with the interim Afghan government to address their economic and development needs.
   • Sharif stressed that the Afghan government must ensure its land is not a haven for terrorist activities.
3. Condemnation of State Terrorism:
   • The prime minister condemned terrorism in all its forms, including state-sponsored terrorism.
   • He highlighted the need for collective and comprehensive action to combat terrorism, calling for unambiguous condemnation of such acts.
4. Respect for Sovereignty:
   • Sharif urged respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the fundamental right to self-determination, as outlined by UN Security Council resolutions.
   • He noted that failure to implement these resolutions has led to significant suffering.
5. Commitment to SCO:
   • The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the SCO Charter and principles, supporting the organization’s expansion and reforms.
   • He welcomed Belarus as a new member and congratulated President Xi Jinping on assuming the SCO Chair for 2024-25.
6. Economic and Environmental Cooperation:
   • Sharif called for enhanced regional connectivity through efficient transport corridors and reliable supply chains, highlighting Pakistan’s role as an ideal trade conduit.
   • He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to addressing climate change and welcomed the SCO Agreement on Environmental Protection.
7. Stance on Palestine:
   • The prime minister condemned Israel’s actions in Palestine, calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and the establishment of a Palestinian state with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds as its capital.
8. Upcoming SCO Meeting:
   • Sharif announced Pakistan’s anticipation of hosting the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad in October, aiming to promote steady development and collaboration among member states.

Prime Minister Sharif’s address highlighted the critical need for stability and cooperation in the region, urging collective efforts to combat terrorism and support economic development.