Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that international agreements must be fully implemented in accordance with both their spirit and wording, stressing that water cannot be used as a political tool or an instrument of pressure.
Addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said water is the lifeline of the region and a guarantee for the future of generations to come. He stressed that South Asia cannot achieve its full potential without sustainable peace.
The prime minister clarified that the Makkah Agreement is not directed against any country, reiterating that Pakistan supports strengthening the multilateral system. He said Pakistan believes in the peaceful resolution of disputes and respect for international law and remains committed to achieving lasting regional peace.
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts led to the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, describing it as an important step towards reducing tensions in the region. He added that Pakistan played an effective role in promoting peace during the regional crisis.
Speaking about the situation in Palestine, the prime minister urged the international community to respect the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. He said the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank was causing unimaginable suffering and called on international institutions to turn their declarations into practical measures.
On terrorism, Shehbaz Sharif said it remains one of the most serious challenges facing the region. He said Pakistan has sacrificed more than 90,000 lives in the fight against terrorism and suffered economic losses exceeding $150 billion.
The prime minister said Pakistan wants a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan but stressed that Afghan territory cannot be allowed to be used by terrorists against Pakistan.
Shehbaz Sharif said the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is an important platform for global peace and stability. He described the completion of 25 years of the SCO as a significant milestone and said the organisation represents a collective commitment to addressing shared challenges.
He further noted that the global landscape is facing growing geopolitical tensions, while recent crises have highlighted the importance of secure energy corridors. According to the prime minister, regional connectivity is no longer a choice but a strategic necessity.