PM Shehbaz Warns Against Weaponising Water at SCO Summit
BISHKEK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif used his address to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Heads of State summit in Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday to underline Pakistan's position on regional peace, water security, terrorism and economic connectivity. Speaking before leaders of the regional bloc, he argued that cooperation among member states had become increasingly important as geopolitical pressures and security challenges intensified.
The prime minister placed water security among the central concerns facing the region, saying access to water was essential for societies and future generations and should not become an instrument of political pressure. He called for international water commitments to be implemented fully, presenting adherence to established agreements as necessary for regional stability and confidence between states.
Shehbaz also highlighted Pakistan's experience in combating terrorism. He told the summit that more than 90,000 Pakistanis had lost their lives in the fight against militancy and that the country had sustained economic losses exceeding $150 billion. He stressed that Afghan territory must not be allowed to serve as a base for attacks against Pakistan while reiterating Islamabad's desire for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan.
Regional connectivity formed another major part of the address. The prime minister described stronger transport, energy and trade links as strategically important for the SCO region and pointed to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as a route connecting regional economies with the Arabian Sea. He said Pakistan remained committed to expanding rail, road and energy cooperation to support wider economic integration.
With the SCO grouping representing more than three billion people, Shehbaz said member states possessed considerable potential for expanded trade and investment. He backed implementation of the SCO Development Strategy 2035 and supported the concept of an SCO development bank as a possible mechanism for financing economic cooperation. Pakistan, he added, would continue contributing to initiatives focused on poverty reduction and social protection.
The prime minister also outlined priorities as Pakistan prepares to assume the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State for 2026-27. Islamabad intends to focus on areas including energy, information technology, health, culture and sports. Shehbaz further announced that Pakistan would propose a framework within the organisation dealing with artificial intelligence infrastructure and governance, reflecting the country's effort to place emerging technology on the SCO agenda.
Turning to wider international issues, Shehbaz expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank and called for meaningful international action and recognition of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination. He also argued that South Asia's economic and development potential would remain constrained without durable peace and said stronger multilateral cooperation was needed to address common regional challenges.
Pakistan is scheduled to lead the SCO Council of Heads of State during 2026-27 and host the next summit in Islamabad in 2027. The Bishkek gathering includes leaders from major regional powers and gives Pakistan an important platform to advance its positions on security, connectivity, water and economic cooperation. Islamabad's next steps will centre on translating the priorities outlined by the prime minister into proposals during its upcoming SCO chairmanship.