Bishkek: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has urged regional leaders to respect international water agreements, stating that water is the “lifeblood” of the region and must never be used for political leverage or coercion.
Addressing the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State summit in the Kyrgyz capital on Tuesday, PM Shehbaz said that treaties governing shared natural resources are binding commitments that states must honour unconditionally.
His remarks came a day after the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) at The Hague delivered an Award on Treaty Status alongside binding interim measures regarding the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). The court unanimously rejected India’s unilateral move to place the treaty in abeyance, ruling that the agreement remains fully in force and directing New Delhi to halt specified construction activities at the disputed Ratle Hydroelectric Plant in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Highlighting regional security, the PM noted that Pakistan has sacrificed more than 90,000 lives and suffered economic losses exceeding USD 150 billion in combating terrorism over the last two decades. While reiterating Pakistan’s desire for a stable Afghanistan, he cautioned that lasting peace would remain out of reach if militant groups continue operating from Afghan soil.
On defence and diplomacy, PM Shehbaz referenced the Trilateral Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, describing it as a defensive framework intended to promote regional stability. He also pointed to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding as an example of Pakistan’s constructive role in mediating recent regional crises.
Turning to economic integration, the PM described connectivity across transport, energy, and supply chains as a strategic necessity for the region's three billion residents. He backed the implementation of the SCO Development Strategy until 2035 and called for establishing an SCO Development Bank to support regional projects.
As Pakistan formally assumes the rotating chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State for 2026–2027, PM Shehbaz outlined key focus areas for the year ahead, including disaster management, energy, poverty reduction, and technology. He proposed creating an SCO sovereign artificial intelligence infrastructure and governance framework to ensure equitable access to new technologies.
The PM concluded by inviting member states and dialogue partners to Islamabad for the next summit in 2027.
