Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Tuesday advised India against using terrorism for diplomatic point scoring, saying that terrorist activities are a serious obstacle to peace in the region.
The Prime Minister’s statement came while addressing the 23rd session of the SCO Council of Heads of State (CHS), which was hosted by India under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Prime Minister during his address said that SCO members have a common interest in ensuring peace and stability in the region which is a pre-requisite for economic development anywhere in the world.
“The hydra-headed monster of terrorism and extremism, whether perpetrated by individuals, societies or states, must be fought with full force and conviction,” the Prime Minister said.
“Any temptation to use [terrorism] for diplomatic point-scoring must be avoided in all circumstances. Terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, including state terrorism, must be condemned in clear and unambiguous terms.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that there can be no justification for killing innocent people, regardless of any reason or pretext.
“Similarly, religious minorities should never be demonized in pursuit of domestic, political agendas,” he said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz noted that Pakistan has made countless sacrifices to combat terrorism, adding that the scourge of militancy is gripping the region and is a major obstacle to achieving peace.
“The SCO countries must take […] concrete and urgent measures against terrorism, extremism and separatism,” the prime minister said, adding that it was the responsibility of all member states.
‘CPEC Game Changer for the Region’The Prime Minister began by thanking India for its stewardship of the regional body this year.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said that Pakistan has a unique geographical position in Central Asia.
Highlighting the importance of the multi-billion dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Prime Minister said the partnership between the two countries could be a “game changer” for the entire region.
He told the members of the meeting that Special Economic Zones are being created in Pakistan under CPEC.
Terrorism and Afghanistan
In his speech, the Prime Minister also highlighted the long-standing problem of Afghanistan.
The Prime Minister said that the international community finds itself at an impasse on Afghanistan, urging stakeholders to continue their cooperation to prevent the humanitarian crisis in the war-torn country.
“Critical support” needed by Afghanistan has been withheld and the issue needs to be reviewed, he said.
He also urged the Taliban-led interim government of Afghanistan to take concrete steps to demonstrate that its territory is not being used for “militant activities”.
SCO must join hands to fight terrorism: Modi
Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Modi said in his address that the SCO should join hands to fight terrorism and should not hesitate to condemn countries that support terrorism.
Modi also urged leaders of the Eurasian Political and Security Group to work for Afghanistan’s welfare and provide humanitarian aid to Kabul.
Modi said at a virtual summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organization leaders that Afghan territory should not be allowed to be used to destabilize its neighbourhood.
Other countries participating in the meeting include Russia, China and Pakistan.
