PM Shehbaz warns against weaponization of water as Pakistan takes SCO chair

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the country's commitment to resolving international disputes through peaceful dialogue and international law during his address to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State meeting in Bishkek on Tuesday.

Emphasizing adherence to the UN and SCO charters, the Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan's continuous diplomatic efforts to facilitate regional de-escalation and mediate peace during recent Middle East and Gulf crises, which led to the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

What key regional issues did the PM highlight at SCO?

Addressing the assembled Eurasian leaders, Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized that South Asia cannot realize its economic potential without lasting regional stability.

He issued a firm warning against using water as a geopolitical tool, asserting that treaties governing shared river systems are binding international obligations that must be honored unconditionally in letter and spirit without being exploited for coercion.

The Prime Minister also highlighted Pakistan's extensive sacrifices in counter-terrorism, noting that over 90,000 lives have been lost and more than $150 billion in economic losses incurred over the past two decades. He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to a stable Afghanistan while cautioning that long-term security depends on ensuring Afghan territory is not utilized by hostile militant groups against neighboring states.

Furthermore, he reaffirmed the self-defense nature of the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement and called on the global community to uphold the right to self-determination for the Palestinian people.

What is Pakistan's agenda for its SCO chairmanship?

As Pakistan officially assumes the rotating chairmanship of the SCO for the 2026–2027 term, Prime Minister Shehbaz presented an action plan under the theme "Turning Vision into Action, Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity".

The framework prioritizes cross-border trade, green energy, disaster management, poverty alleviation, and regional transport infrastructure anchored by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

To bridge digital divides across member nations, the Prime Minister proposed establishing an SCO sovereign artificial intelligence infrastructure and governance framework.

The proposal aims to foster inclusive, responsible AI development and ensure equitable technological access across all SCO partner states. Following the plenary session, Prime Minister Shehbaz and participating heads of state signed the summit's joint Bishkek Declaration.