Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asserted Pakistan's commitment to resolving disputes peacefully through adherence to international law and the guidelines of the United Nations and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) charter. Addressing the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting, he emphasized that Pakistan advocated for peace when the sovereignty of an SCO member state was violated earlier this year, leading to a significant regional crisis.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister highlighted the disruption of critical energy supply routes due to the crisis, which has impacted the global economy, adding economic strain on Pakistan and the international community. Despite these challenges, Pakistan has played a role as a mediator, culminating in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding for regional peace.

Prime Minister Sharif expressed gratitude to supportive nations and emphasized that the Islamabad Memorandum offers a pathway to lasting regional peace. He also referenced the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement, describing it as defensive and non-confrontational.

Addressing broader regional issues, the Prime Minister highlighted the unmet commitments to the Palestinian people and other oppressed nations. He stressed that South Asia's potential relies on lasting peace, advocating against the weaponization of water and urging for the unconditional honoring of water treaties.

Prime Minister Sharif noted Pakistan's sacrifices in the war on terrorism, with over ninety thousand lives lost and a substantial economic burden incurred. He highlighted Pakistan's desire for a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan, cautioning that peace remains elusive as long as terrorism persists from Afghan territory.

Discussing cooperation within the SCO, he proposed regional connectivity as vital for prosperity, citing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a crucial link to the Arabian Sea. He emphasized commitments to railway projects, road connectivity, and energy initiatives.

As Pakistan assumes the SCO chairmanship, Prime Minister Sharif proposed an action plan prioritizing sectors such as IT and AI, energy, development, and poverty reduction. He suggested establishing an SCO AI infrastructure and governance framework to promote inclusive AI development.

Under the theme 'Turning Vision into Action, Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity,' Pakistan aims to enhance connectivity, foster innovation, and achieve shared prosperity. The Prime Minister and other leaders signed the joint declaration of the SCO meeting.