Shehbaz Sharif Advocates for Peaceful Water Use at SCO Summit
By Editor • September 1, 2026 • 2 min read
At the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif articulated a powerful message on the importance of water as a fundamental resource for South Asia. He emphasized that water, often referred to as the region's 'lifeblood', should never be manipulated for political advantage or as a weapon.
During his address at the SCO Council of Heads of State, PM Shehbaz underscored the criticality of peace in realizing the potential of the region, indirectly referencing the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). He stated, "Water is the lifeblood of our region. It sustains millions of lives and secures the future of our coming generations." He further asserted that international water treaties must be honored and not treated as political tools.
Shifting focus to security concerns, the Prime Minister highlighted the persistent threat of terrorism in the region. He noted that Pakistan has been at the forefront of combating this menace, suffering over 90,000 casualties and financial losses exceeding $150 billion over the past 25 years. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to establishing peace in Afghanistan but cautioned that the continued use of Afghan territory by terrorists hampers this goal.
During his visit, PM Shehbaz was also welcomed by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and participated in a group photo with other leaders, including those from China, Russia, and India, as the SCO celebrated its 25th anniversary. In a significant development, Pakistan is set to assume leadership of the SCO’s Council of Heads of State for 2026-27, with plans to host the next summit in Islamabad.
He outlined an ambitious agenda centered on key sectors such as IT, artificial intelligence, energy, and health, proposing the creation of an SCO framework to govern AI development. He emphasized the necessity of connectivity and innovation to drive regional prosperity, stating, "Today, connectivity is no longer a choice; it is a strategic imperative."
PM Shehbaz also called for the implementation of the SCO Development Strategy until 2035, suggesting that establishing an SCO Development Bank could be a critical step toward enhancing social protection and sustainable development across member states.
As he reflected on the SCO's journey over the past quarter-century, the Prime Minister praised the organization for fostering cooperation among its members and addressed the current geopolitical challenges. He noted the SCO’s role in facilitating peace and security amidst global tensions, climate crises, and economic fragmentation.
He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to diplomatic solutions, mentioning the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding reached earlier this year, which aims to promote regional stability. The Prime Minister concluded by expressing gratitude for the support of fellow nations in these peace-building efforts, emphasizing that the Islamabad MoU represents a viable path to lasting peace.
Source: www.dawn.com
