TIANJIN, CHINA: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar addressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Tianjin on Tuesday, reaffirming Pakistan’s strong commitment to regional peace, multilateralism, and diplomatic conflict resolution.
In his remarks, Dar emphasized the SCO's critical role in upholding regional stability amid growing global geopolitical tensions. He acknowledged China’s leadership in advancing the organization's goals and extended a warm welcome to Belarus as the latest full member of the SCO.
Condemning the ongoing Israeli military offensive in Gaza, Dar described the actions as gross violations of international law, contributing to an escalating humanitarian catastrophe. He urged an immediate ceasefire and reiterated Pakistan’s support for a two-state solution, calling for East Jerusalem to serve as the capital of Palestine.
Turning to regional developments, Dar condemned attacks on Iran, particularly U.S. strikes on its nuclear infrastructure, deeming them unacceptable violations against a fellow SCO member. He also addressed rising tensions in South Asia, referencing allegations surrounding the Pahalgam incident and stressing the urgent need for diplomacy over force.
“Dialogue must replace coercion,” Dar asserted, urging structured talks to resolve long-standing regional disputes. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s adherence to ceasefire agreements and rejected the normalization of arbitrary military action.
Dar also advocated for key institutional reforms within the SCO, such as adopting English as an official language and strengthening the organization’s Secretariat. He encouraged greater economic cooperation, including the use of local currencies to reduce reliance on global financial systems and the establishment of an alternative development financing framework.
Highlighting the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as central to regional connectivity, Dar called for renewed SCO-Afghanistan engagement and unified counterterrorism efforts. He also stressed the urgency of collective action on climate change.
In closing, he reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the “Shanghai Spirit” and urged unity over division.
