Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized on Thursday the necessity of a collective and comprehensive approach to combat terrorism and extremism.
While addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana, he stated that terrorism in all its forms, including state terrorism, must be unequivocally condemned.
He further mentioned that there is “no justification for killing innocent people or using the bogey of terrorism” for political gain.
PM Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s historical association with SCO member states, aligning itself with the organization’s socio-economic and security objectives.
“In 23 years, SCO has established itself as a credible and effective transregional organization,” he noted, adding that the solution to common challenges lies in collaboration.
He pointed out the rise in global political and military conflicts and the consequent increase in energy and food prices, worsened by COVID-19, affecting member states’ ability to address poverty.
“As the permanent chair of SCO working group to combat poverty, Pakistan will do its utmost to provide the required impetus to our collective efforts in raising the living standards in the SCO region,” he affirmed.
Regarding Afghanistan, PM Sharif stressed the importance of peace and stability, urging the international community to engage meaningfully with the interim Afghan government to address their economic and development needs.
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“The interim Afghan government must take concrete and effective measures to ensure its soil is not used for terrorism by any entity against other states,” he said.
