by Muhammad Anis
In October 2024, Pakistan successfully hosted the 26th meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) held in Islamabad , chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The summit brought together leaders and ministers from China, Russia, Belarus, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Mongolia participated as an observer. The event featured discussions on enhancing regional cooperation, connectivity initiatives, and trade relations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), emphasizing that such projects should be viewed beyond narrow political lenses and be part of a broader framework for Eurasian connectivity. He called for expanding infrastructure, particularly in transportation and digital sectors, to support a shared vision of regional economic integration. Sharif stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to address common challenges, urging member states to work together to ensure regional prosperity and stability.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of a joint communique, reaffirming the commitment of SCO member states to peaceful dispute resolution, mutual respect for sovereignty, and non-interference in internal affairs. The leaders also highlighted the importance of cooperation in various fields, including trade, security, and environmental sustainability. They opposed protectionist trade measures and unilateral sanctions, calling for the strengthening of a fair and open multilateral trading system.
On the sidelines, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held bilateral meetings with leaders from China, Belarus, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, focusing on strengthening economic and trade ties. Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang also met with Pakistan’s military leadership, further solidifying the long-standing relations between Pakistan and China. The SCO meeting underscored the organization’s role in promoting regional cooperation and fostering economic growth.
In his closing remarks, PM Sharif addressed the ongoing crisis in Gaza, condemning the violence and urging the international community to ensure an immediate ceasefire. He called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, with pre-1967 borders and Al Quds (Jerusalem) as its capital.
