Islamabad – Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, delivered a statement at the 23rd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State (CHS), countering India’s accusation of Pakistan’s support for terrorism. In his address, held in a virtual format and hosted by India, PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasised that terrorism must not be wielded as a tool for diplomatic scoring.
Highlighting the urgency of the matter, PM Sharif referred to terrorism and extremism as a “hydra-headed monster,” adding that it should be confronted with unwavering determination, regardless of whether it originates from individuals, groups, or states. The statement came in the wake of PM Modi’s assertion that some countries exploit cross-border terrorism to further their policies.
In addition to calling for united action against terrorism, PM Sharif also addressed concerns about religious minorities. He condemned terrorism in all its forms, including state-sponsored acts, and stressed the need for unequivocal denunciation of violence resulting in the loss of innocent lives, regardless of the motives.
During the same summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grave concern over terrorism, labelling it as a threat to regional and global peace. He urged SCO member states to unite in the fight against terrorism and take a strong stand against nations supporting terrorist activities.
Leaders from various member states, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, and Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, participated in the meeting through virtual means.
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