ISLAMABAD , July 4, 2023: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, should be condemned in “clear and unambiguous terms”.
“There can be no justification for the killing of innocent people regardless of the cause or pretext,” he said while addressing the virtual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) virtual summit hosted by India.
The premier advised India against using terrorism for diplomatic point-scoring, saying terror activities remain a serious obstacle to peace in the region.
The premier participated in the 23rd meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of States through video-link. Russia and China are among the other countries attending the meeting.
Earlier on Tuesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the SCO should join hands to fight terrorism and not hesitate to condemn countries that support terror.
Modi also urged leaders of the Eurasian political and security grouping to work for the welfare of Afghanistan and provide humanitarian aid to Kabul.
Afghan soil, Modi told the virtual summit of SCO leaders, should not be allowed to be used to destabilise its neighbourhood.
Ahead of the summit, the Foreign Office said PM Shehbaz’s participation “illustrates the high importance that Pakistan attaches to the SCO, as an important forum for regional security and prosperity, and enhanced engagement with the region”.
During the SCO meeting, the global leaders will deliberate on important global and regional issues and chart the future direction of cooperation among SCO member states.
Invitation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to attend the meeting has been given by Indian Prime Minister in his capacity as the current Chair of the SCO.
This year, the SCO Council of Heads of States will also welcome Iran as a new member of the organisation.
The prime minister’s participation in the meeting illustrates the high importance that Pakistan attaches to the SCO, as an important forum for regional security and prosperity, and enhanced engagement with the region.