SCO declaration reaffirms Pakistan’s position on terrorism

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization declaration issued today (Monday)reaffirms Pakistan’s position on terrorism, unequivocally condemning all forms and manifestations of this global menace.

The SCO emphasized that double standards in the fight against terrorism are unacceptable. It strongly condemned the attacks on the Jaffer Express and the school bus in Khuzdar.

The declaration called for comprehensive and effective measures to combat all dimensions of terrorism, including the cross-border movement of terrorists. Member states underscored the need for coordinated action against all terrorist organizations, in line with UN Security Council resolutions, the global counter-terrorism strategy, and the principles of the United Nations.

The SCO also stressed the importance of establishing an inclusive government in Afghanistan, with representation from all ethnic and political groups, to ensure lasting peace. It affirmed that every nation has the sovereign right to choose its own political, social, and economic path.

Furthermore, it declared that the use of terrorist groups for political or proxy objectives is unacceptable.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan has consistently presented credible evidence of cross-border facilitation of terrorism by India to the global community. India’s involvement in incidents like the Jaffer Express and the Khuzdar school bus attack has been substantiated with documented proof. In its April 24 statement, Pakistan’s National Security Committee offered India an independent investigation into the Pahalgam incident which remains unanswered by the Indian government to date.

Besides, Pakistan’s long-standing position on peace in Afghanistan aligns with the principles outlined in the SCO declaration. Pakistan has repeatedly shared evidence of cross-border terrorism, and the declaration has now brought further attention to this issue.

By endorsing Pakistan’s stance on terrorism and regional conflicts, the SCO declaration reflects the success of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts.

As a result of its diplomatic efforts, Pakistan is emerging as a net regional stabilizer in the region.

Reiterating their deep concern over the continuing escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the member states strongly condemned the actions that have led to numerous casualties among the civilian population and a catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

The SCO declaration called for deepening cooperation in fighting drug trafficking. It also emphasized to continue efforts in fighting corruption and called on the international community to refuse to grant asylum to persons who have committed corruption offences.

The SCO member States called on promoting cooperation in the field of e-commerce, develop digital trade infrastructure, and bridge the gap between developed and developing countries in the digital economy. They also urged to increase cooperation in the field of veterinary and phytosanitary surveillance, ensuring the safety of agricultural and food products, promote the development of trade in agricultural products and strengthen international cooperation in combating epidemics and infections.

The declaration further said that the SCO member States will continue to strengthen cooperation in the fields of agriculture and food security, science and education, artificial intelligence, tourism, culture, health, sports, environment, and sustainable socio-economic development.