Ashraf AboArafe
The PM Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s statement as Chair of the SCO CHG (council off heads of governments) came as follows:
Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are at a historic moment of transition, where sweeping transformations are reshaping the global social, political, economic, and security landscapes.
From this esteemed platform of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)—a beacon of multilateralism—I stand resolute in the belief, that we possess, not only the potential, but the collective will, to forge a future that is more prosperous, stable, and secure for our people. A future, that is inclusive, and reflective of the shared aspirations of all member states.
Excellencies,
When Pakistan assumed the Chair of this august forum last year, we reaffirmed, our commitment to the regional peace, stability, enhanced connectivity, and sustainable socio-economic development.
We believe, these tenets are fundamental, to the SCO’s progress,and to the advancement of our collective vision.
Through the concerted efforts of all member states, we have been able to progress, on this path. The Joint Communiqué of our meeting, stands testament, to our shared commitment,to fostering sustainable, and inclusive economic growth, leveraging enhanced connectivity, and adopting forward-thinking mechanisms for green development.
Our collaboration, joint teamwork spans academic and tourism linkages, poverty alleviation, and the empowerment of women and youth across the SCO region—a reflection and commitment, of our determination, to promote prosperity through unity.
I take pride in highlighting, several forward-looking initiatives, during Pakistan’s Chairmanship: the SCO Economic Preference Base, enhanced cooperation between Trade Promotion Organizations, the Creative Economy framework, and the SCO New Economic Dialogue Program. These initiatives,chart a promising course and a bright future, but now, it is imperative, that we shift to tangible actions—through coordinated implementation, —strengthening our cooperation, in the vital sectors of trade and economy.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Afghanistan, by virtue of its contiguity with our region, presents an invaluable and rare opportunity for trade and transit, benefiting all SCO member states. A stable Afghanistan, is not only desirable, but essential, to fully realizing these great opportunities.
The international community must stepforward, with urgent humanitarian support, while calling upon the Afghan interim government, to embrace political inclusivity, thereby ensuring Afghan soil, is not misused for terrorism against its neighbours,by any entity.
Excellencies,
Economic collaboration is at the heart of SCO engagement. Investment in regional infrastructure—particularly in the realms of transport and energy—is indispensable, for advancing economic integration.
Pakistan welcomes the decision, by the SCO Council of Heads of State,to ensure and endorse the Strategy, for the Development of Energy Cooperation 2030, and the establishment of the Association of Investors. We stand ready, to play our part, in realizing,these ambitions.
While supporting all SCO connectivity initiatives, Pakistan underscores, the importance of establishing a robust SCO connectivity framework. This framework, should not merely boost regional trade but should also advance,the vision of a connected Eurasia.
Flagship projects, like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the International, North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) should be expanded, focusing on developing road, rail, and digital infrastructure, that enhances integration and cooperation,across the region.
Let us not look at such projects, through the narrow, political prism and invest in our collective connectivity capacities, which are crucial to advancing the shared vision of an economically integrated region. Let us work together for a well-integrated and prosperous region that benefits all Member states.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Poverty is not just an economic issue; it is a moral imperative that demands, our collective attention. With millions living in poverty within the SCO region, closer cooperation on poverty alleviation is critical because as the saying goes poverty leads to ultimate annihilation.
As the permanent Chair of the SCO Special Working Group on Poverty, Pakistan has facilitated, several seminars, and Webinars, aimed at sharing of knowledge, and best practices to remove poverty from the face of this region.
We will continue to provide, the required impetus, to our collective efforts, to address the root causes of poverty, and uplift the quality of life for our people.
Excellencies,
Climate change, is an existential crisis that transcends borders. Its impacts are felt universally, but more acutely by nations like Pakistan, which is, on the frontline of climate-induced disasters 2022 devastating floods in Pakistan is the case in point that millions of people in this country were living under open skies, millions of acres of standing crops was washed away, millions of houses were all drowned and our economy suffered immense losses approximately 30 billion dollars and for no fault of ours.
Excellencies!
It is imperative, that we prioritize environmental cooperation within the SCO, to build resilience and secure, a sustainable future, for generations to come.
We welcome, the recent SCO agreement on environmental protection and call upon, all member states, to actively engage, in both regional, and global environmental efforts.
Pakistan has developed a proactive, technology-driven, disaster management system, which is one of its kind in the world. We look forward to organizing, simulation exercises with SCO partners, to bolster, disaster preparedness, across the region.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Unilateral coercive measures, and protectionist policies, run contraryto the principles of international law. They stifle economic growth, hinder,technological advancements, and exacerbate inequality. Reforming the global financial architecture, and trade regimes is essential, to fostering equitable global development.
Pakistan supports, the establishment,of an SCO alternative development funding mechanism, which could provide, the impetus, needed for the revival of stalled development projects. I also welcome the timely decision by the SCO, Council of Heads of State, to establish financial support mechanisms, for project implementation, within the SCO framework.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
As leaders, we must encourage our private sectors, to cultivate, an environment, that is conducive to business and investment within the SCO region. I commend, the Pakistan Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry for its collaborative efforts, with SCO Ministers of External in Islamabad, facilitating, productive dialogues, that strengthen economic ties.
Such initiatives must be nurtured, to deepen economic cooperation, and drive regional prosperity.
Distinguished Delegates!
The growing consensus, among member states on the use of mutual currencies, for settlements, is a promising development.
The SCO Interbank Union, is an appropriate forum, to address banking challenges, and moving towards settlement, in mutual currencies, will shield us from global financial disruptions.
The SCO Consortium, of Economic Analytic Think Tanks, also, serves as a key platform, for scholars, adept in economic and trade dynamics. Their insights, enrich regional economic frameworks.
As Chair, Pakistan has spearheaded,valuable research this year, which has been shared with Member States for collective benefit.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Pakistan firmly believes, that a stronger, more effective SCO is essential, to achieving sustainable development in our region.
We wholeheartedly endorse, the ongoing reforms, aimed at modernizing the organization, enhancing the resources and capabilities, of the SCO Secretariat and, the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure.
But let us not forget, the true essence of the SCO, extends, beyond political alliances and economic partnerships. It is the rich mosaic of our cultures, the diversity of our people, that forms, the heart of this organization. 
Pakistan remains deeply committed to fostering people-to-people ties and cultural exchanges that bridge divides, cultivate understanding, and deepen cooperation. In unity and with shared purpose, we can build, lasting legacies, and enrich, the future, of all our nations.
I thank you all, for your attention.
