ASTANA: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored the importance of effective multilateralism in tackling global and regional challenges during his address at the SCO Plus format summit held on the sidelines of the 24th summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Kazakhstan.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to seeking just and peaceful resolutions to ongoing disputes, opposing unilateral and illegal threats or use of force, combating terrorism in all its forms, and advancing the SCO’s agenda in collaboration with member states.
He commended President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan for hosting the SCO summit and expressed confidence that the Astana Declaration and other resolutions adopted would bolster efforts towards achieving peace and prosperity.
Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted the global challenges exacerbated by increased incitement to racial and religious hatred, particularly Islamophobia, climate-induced disasters, and the post-COVID-19 impacts. He emphasized the need for unity in thought and action, promoting peaceful coexistence, resolving disputes, and reposing confidence in multilateralism.
In his address, Shehbaz Sharif also drew attention to the unprecedented sufferings of Palestinians as a result of Israel’s war that left more than 37000 people, mostly children and women, dead.
Endorsing the UNHR Council’s Commission of Inquiry report calling Israel’s acts war crimes, and the International Court of Justice verdict, he urged the UN Security Council to uphold its responsibilities, ensure ceasefire, humanitarian aid flow, and civilian protection in Gaza, and implement resolutions for peaceful dispute settlement.
Addressing climate change, he referenced Pakistan’s devastating 2022 floods despite minimal carbon emissions, advocating for substantial financial and technological support to vulnerable countries to enhance resilience and adaptation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also called for comprehensive reforms in international financial structures to enhance effectiveness, inclusivity, and fairness.
At the end, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening multilateral institutions, fostering global cooperation, and achieving a fair and peaceful world order based on principles of self-determination, sovereignty, and non-interference.
