Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for expanding China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) while chairing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad. The SCO includes major regional players like China, India, Russia, and Pakistan. The summit took place at the Jinnah Convention Centre.
As the current Chair of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG), PM Shehbaz emphasized the importance of regional connectivity. He called for expanding major projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the international north-south transport corridor. He highlighted the need for improved road, rail, and digital infrastructure, stressing that these initiatives should not be viewed through a narrow political lens. Instead, he urged SCO members to invest in shared connectivity to promote an economically integrated region.
The prime minister also discussed poverty, climate change, and energy cooperation. He urged SCO members to endorse a strategy for Energy Cooperation 2030 and called for the establishment of an Association of Investors. PM Shehbaz framed poverty as a “moral imperative” that demands collective attention, noting that millions of people within the SCO region live in poverty. He highlighted Pakistan’s role in leading seminars and webinars on poverty alleviation.
Climate Change
Regarding climate change, PM Shehbaz recounted the 2022 floods in Pakistan, which caused $30 billion in losses. He called for better disaster preparedness and suggested that SCO nations collaborate on simulation exercises to strengthen regional response to natural disasters.
In his opening remarks, PM Shehbaz welcomed the leaders and praised the SCO as a platform that represents over 40% of the world’s population. He emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation among member states to drive socio-economic progress, peace, and stability. The premier expressed hope that the summit would result in concrete action plans that would benefit the economies and societies of SCO nations.
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Afghanistan a Key Player
PM Shehbaz also mentioned Afghanistan, calling it a key player in the region’s economic future. He stressed the importance of a stable Afghanistan and urged the international community to provide humanitarian support while encouraging Afghanistan’s interim government to embrace political inclusivity.
The summit saw participation from the heads of government of several member states. China’s Premier Li Qiang, Russia’s PM Mikhail Mishustin, and Tajikistan’s PM Qohir Rasulzoda attended the summit. Iran and India were represented by their ministers due to unforeseen circumstances.
In addition to the summit’s formal proceedings, PM Shehbaz hosted a dinner for the dignitaries. Moreover, he brief exchanges with various leaders, including India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
The summit continues with discussions on trade, economic cooperation, and regional connectivity. It will conclude with the signing of several key agreements.
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