Tianjin: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar has reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering commitment to the 'Shanghai Spirit'. Addressing the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Tianjin, China, he emphasized Pakistan's dedication to advancing initiatives that aim to enhance regional connectivity, shared prosperity, sustainable development, and durable peace, with the aim of realizing the region's collective potential.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the importance of upholding international law and implementing relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions to resolve longstanding disputes. He stressed the necessity of avoiding confrontational politics and double standards. Ishaq Dar stated that Pakistan values the SCO as a platform of immense political, strategic, and economic importance and appreciated China's commitment to multilateralism and its role in strengthening the SCO as the Chair this year.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that at a time when the global order faces significant challenges, the SCO has emerged as a stabilizing force. Its inclusive approach, emphasizing the sovereign equality of states and seeking peaceful resolutions to disputes, presents a compelling alternative to aggression and confrontation. He added that the SCO's dedication to consensus, development, and mutual respect is a hopeful sign for building a better and more equitable world and welcomed Belarus as the newest member of the SCO family.

Turning to the regional situation, Ishaq Dar stated that Pakistan seeks a relationship of peace and stability with all its neighbors, despite recent disturbing developments in South Asia. He reiterated Pakistan's steadfast commitment to the ceasefire and the cultivation of a stable regional equilibrium, while rejecting the normalization of arbitrary force.

Regarding Afghanistan, the Deputy Prime Minister asserted that enduring peace and stability in the country are key to shared regional aspirations. He suggested that the revival of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group could serve as a valuable platform for pragmatic and results-oriented cooperation.