Water Weaponised Region: Shehbaz Calls for Peace at SCO Summit
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the water weaponised region must never become a tool for political pressure. He made the remarks at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek on Tuesday. His comments came after a major ruling on the Indus Waters Treaty.
Shehbaz stresses peaceful cooperation
Shehbaz said shared-water treaties represent binding international commitments. Therefore, countries must honour such agreements in both letter and spirit.The Permanent Court of Arbitration recently ruled that the Indus Waters Treaty remains valid. The court also ordered India to halt certain work at the disputed Ratle hydropower project.The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for international law. He also urged countries to resolve disputes through peaceful dialogue.Meanwhile, Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional peace. He said the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding could support long-term de-escalation.
He also discussed Pakistan’s recent Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. According to Shehbaz, the agreement remains defensive and does not target any country.The premier further called for stronger international action on Gaza. He urged the global community to support Palestinians’ right to self-determination.
Pakistan sets SCO priorities
Shehbaz described terrorism as a major threat across the region. He said Pakistan had lost more than 90,000 lives during its fight against terrorism.He also urged action against militant groups operating from Afghan territory. At the same time, he called for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.The prime minister highlighted regional connectivity as a key path to economic growth. He called for better transport links, secure energy routes and stronger supply chains.
Pakistan has assumed the SCO Council of Heads of State chairmanship for 2026-27. During this period, Islamabad will focus on technology, artificial intelligence, energy and poverty reduction.In addition, Pakistan will promote cooperation in health, culture, sports and disaster management. Shehbaz proposed an SCO framework for responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence.He urged member states to choose dialogue over confrontation. He also invited participants to Islamabad for the next SCO Plus meeting in 2027.Earlier, Shehbaz signed the joint declaration at the 26th SCO Heads of State Summit. He also held meetings with several regional and global leaders on the summit’s sidelines.
