Astana : Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored Pakistan’s commitment to effective multilateralism and peaceful conflict resolution during his address at the SCO Plus format meeting, coinciding with the SCO summit in Kazakhstan. He emphasized that Pakistan, during its tenure as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council from 2025-26, would steadfastly pursue just resolutions to ongoing disputes. Rejecting unilateral actions and the unlawful use of force, he advocated for a cooperative approach to combat terrorism comprehensively.
At the summit, held on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Heads of State, Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted the pivotal role of multilateralism within the UN framework in addressing complex global challenges. He praised Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for hosting the summit, expressing optimism that the outcomes, including the Astana Declaration, would bolster efforts toward global peace and prosperity.
The Prime Minister addressed pressing issues such as rising racial and religious discrimination, notably Islamophobia, climate-induced disasters, and the lingering impacts of COVID-19 on nations. He stressed unity in action, promoting peaceful coexistence, resolving disputes through dialogue, and reinforcing confidence in multilateral approaches.
He also drew attention to the plight of Palestinians, condemning acts that led to widespread casualties and displacements. Citing international reports, he called for accountability for alleged war crimes and genocide, urging the UN Security Council to enforce resolutions for immediate ceasefires and humanitarian aid access.
Climate change emerged as another critical concern, with Prime Minister Shehbaz referencing Pakistan’s devastating 2022 floods despite its minimal carbon footprint. He advocated for substantial financial and technological support to vulnerable nations to build resilience and recover from environmental disasters.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister stressed the need for fundamental reforms in international financial structures to enhance fairness and inclusivity. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening multilateral institutions and fostering global cooperation to achieve a just and peaceful world order, grounded in principles of sovereignty, self-determination, and non-interference.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s address underscored Pakistan’s proactive stance on global issues, advocating for collaborative solutions through effective multilateralism and adherence to international law. His remarks at the SCO summit affirmed Pakistan’s dedication to fostering stability, equality, and resilience in the face of evolving global challenges.
