Pakistan reaffirms commitment to ‘Shanghai Spirit’ calls for stronger regional
MOSCOW: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar has said that Pakistan has reiterated its firm commitment to the “Shanghai Spirit” and its guiding principles, emphasizing their relevance amid major geopolitical and geo-economic shifts.
Addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in Moscow, Ishaq Dar presented Pakistan’s comprehensive vision for regional economic cooperation, development, and stability.
Dar Speaking at a key SCO platform, Pakistani leadership recalled that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had underscored during last year’s Islamabad CHG meeting that economic collaboration must remain central to the SCO agenda. Under Pakistan’s Chairmanship of the Council of Heads of Government, Islamabad prioritized cooperation in connectivity, transport networks, logistics, and infrastructure development—sectors it views as essential drivers of regional economic integration.
He highlighted Pakistan’s unique geographic position at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, calling it an ideal transit hub for Eurasian trade. They noted that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) serves as a “force multiplier” for regional connectivity and offers SCO member states opportunities for deeper economic partnership.
Referencing the recent Tianjin meetings held under China’s leadership, Pakistan welcomed enhanced cooperation in science, technology, AI, commerce, tourism, culture, and security. Islamabad also expressed strong support for President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative (GGI) and the launch of six new cooperation platforms in areas including energy, green industry, digital economy, innovation, and vocational education.
Pakistan stressed that the SCO Business Council and SCO Interbank Association could significantly strengthen economic and investment ties within the organization. It called for concrete steps to expand the use of national currencies for mutual settlements and urged progress toward establishing the SCO Development Bank, Development Fund, and Investment Fund—mechanisms it believes would help cushion financial shocks across the region.
Acknowledging persistent challenges of poverty and food insecurity across member states, Pakistan pointed to its recent hosting of the second session of the SCO Special Working Group on Poverty Alleviation. The meeting focused on building climate-resilient social protection systems to safeguard vulnerable populations.
Dar said that ,Islamabad maintained that sustainable development is inseparable from peace and stability. It underscored the importance of a peaceful, stable Afghanistan for regional security and reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an Afghanistan that is integrated, prosperous, and at peace with its neighbors.
Dar further reiterated Pakistan’s belief in diplomacy, dialogue, and respect for international law as the means to resolve disputes. It called for a comprehensive and structured dialogue process to address long-standing issues affecting South Asian peace and stability.
FM said , Pakistan also extended congratulations to SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev and EC RATS Director Ularbek Sharsheyev for their leadership in advancing the organization’s goals.
DPM Ishaq Dar Concluding its remarks, Pakistan affirmed its readiness to help shape a shared future for the SCO region, emphasizing the importance of building “tangible economic bridges” for the people of member states.