PM Pakistan Urges Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza During SCO Summit

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Wednesday called on the international community to ensure an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, urging support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Speaking at the conclusion of the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting, he highlighted the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis.

“We cannot overlook the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The international community has a responsibility to act, ensuring a ceasefire that leads to the creation of a Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds as its capital,” said PM Shahbaz.

Focus on Collaboration and Regional Development

The prime minister emphasized the significance of regional cooperation and underscored the SCO’s role in promoting stability and sustainable growth. He congratulated Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on assuming the Council’s chairmanship and announced that Russia would host the next SCO CHG meeting. PM Shehbaz assured Pakistan’s full support and reaffirmed a commitment to SCO’s collective objectives.

Dignitaries in Attendance

The summit saw participation from high-level representatives, including:
– Li Qiang, Premier of China
– Mikhail Mishustin, Prime Minister of Russia
– Roman Golovchenko, Prime Minister of Belarus
– Olzhas Bektenov, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan
– Kohir Rasulzoda, Prime Minister of Tajikistan
– Abdulla Aripov, Prime Minister of Uzbekistan
– Zhaparov Akylbek, Chairman of Ministers’ Cabinet, Kyrgyzstan
– Seyyed Mohammad Atabek, Trade Minister of Iran
– Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Indian External Affairs Minister

Mongolia participated as an Observer State, represented by Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai, and Turkmenistan as a Special Guest, represented by Deputy Chairman Rashid Meredov.

Strengthening SCO’s Strategic Goals

The prime minister highlighted that the SCO remains a crucial platform for regional cooperation, economic integration, and addressing shared challenges. He urged member states to focus on collaboration, setting aside political differences, and work collectively to keep the SCO as a beacon of growth and development.

Additionally, the summit brought together influential figures such as:
– Zhang Ming, SCO Secretary-General
– Ruslan Mirzayev, Director of SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS)
– Atif Ikram Shaikh, Chairman of SCO Business Council
– Marat Yelibayev, Chairman of SCO Interbank Union

As the two-day summit concluded, PM Shahbaz expressed his gratitude to all participating nations for their commitment and cooperation, ensuring the event’s success. He reiterated Pakistan’s dedication to fostering mutual prosperity across the Eurasian region, enhancing economic collaboration, and ensuring the SCO’s strategic vision continues to thrive.