DUSHANBE, Oct 20 (APP):Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Tuesday called for greater regional connectivity, investment in energy and transport infrastructure, and enhanced economic cooperation among member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to promote shared prosperity.
Addressing the 25th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, the deputy PM reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the organisation’s principles of mutual trust, respect for diversity and regional cooperation, collectively known as the Shanghai Spirit.
He appreciated Tajikistan’s Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda, the government and people of Tajikistan for their hospitality and highlighted Pakistan’s active role in the SCO, including hosting the Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad in 2024 and completing its chairmanship of the SCO Anti-Terrorism Structure this year.
Ishaq Dar also highlighted Pakistan’s leadership of the SCO Working Group on Poverty Alleviation, saying Islamabad intends to emphasise the role of small and medium-sized enterprises in reducing poverty.
Stressing the importance of economic integration, the foreign minister said targeted investments in energy and transport were essential for connecting regional economies. He also called for greater investment in agriculture, mining and minerals, and information technology to strengthen economic resilience.
He described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as an opportunity for all SCO partners to participate in and accelerate regional economic integration.
The deputy prime minister said artificial intelligence, digital transformation, innovation, energy cooperation and international information security should become key pillars of future SCO collaboration.
He noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had unveiled Pakistan’s vision for its SCO chairmanship under the theme “Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity.”
The vision identifies five priority areas: peace, security and mutual trust; regional connectivity and trade; innovation, artificial intelligence and digital transformation; climate resilience and sustainable energy; and people-to-people exchanges.
The DPM/FM also called for accelerating the use of national currencies in mutual settlements and establishing an SCO Development Bank, Development Fund and Investment Fund. He said these measures could support development projects and help member states withstand international financial shocks.
Criticising protectionist policies and unilateral coercive measures, Ishaq Dar said such actions undermined international law, restricted technological progress and increased inequality. He stressed the need to reform global financial and trade systems to ensure equitable development.
On regional security, he said sustainable economic development depended on lasting peace and stability, particularly in Afghanistan. He reiterated Pakistan’s desire for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan integrated with the region.
He said Pakistan expected the Afghan Taliban authorities to ensure that Afghan territory was not used for terrorist activities against Pakistan or other countries.
The deputy prime minister also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional stability, stronger economic partnerships and advancing Eurasian connectivity and prosperity through the SCO.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
