Tianjin: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar has reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to the 'Shanghai Spirit'. Addressing the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Tianjin, China, he highlighted Pakistan's dedication to initiatives aimed at enhancing regional connectivity, shared prosperity, sustainable development, and peace, with a focus on realizing the region's collective potential.
According to Radio Pakistan, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of upholding international law and implementing United Nations Security Council resolutions to resolve longstanding disputes. He also stressed the need to avoid confrontational politics and double standards. Ishaq Dar expressed Pakistan's appreciation for the SCO as a platform of significant political, strategic, and economic importance, acknowledging China's role in strengthening the organization as the Chair this year.
He noted that during a time of profound global challenges, the SCO has emerged as a stabilizing force. Its inclusive approach, which emphasizes sovereign equality and peaceful resolution of disputes, presents an alternative to aggression and zero-sum rivalries. Ishaq Dar praised the SCO's commitment to consensus, development, and mutual respect as a hopeful path toward a more equitable world, and he welcomed Belarus as the newest member of the SCO family.
Addressing the regional situation, Ishaq Dar stated that Pakistan seeks peace and stability with its neighbors. However, the past three months have seen concerning developments in South Asia. He reiterated Pakistan's steadfast commitment to the ceasefire and regional stability, while rejecting the normalization of arbitrary force. He emphasized that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
Regarding Afghanistan, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the significance of enduring peace and stability in Afghanistan as a shared goal. He proposed the revival of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group as a platform for pragmatic cooperation.