Islamabad, At a media briefing held today by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was conveyed that Pakistan will take over as Chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Heads of Government (SCO-CHG). The briefing also saw significant concern raised over ongoing situations in occupied Palestine and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
According to a news release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, who is currently in Bishkek, leads the Pakistani delegation at the SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting. The SCO-CHG stands as a significant forum, second only to the Council of Heads of State, with its focus on promoting cooperation in socio-economic, trade, and financial sectors.
Over the past day, Minister Jilani engaged in discussions with top officials from the Kyrgyz Republic, Iran, and the SCO. A myriad of bilateral cooperation areas were covered, along with regional strategies aimed at mutual benefit.
In today’s session, the Foreign Minister reiterated Pakistan’s dedication to the “Shanghai Spirit,” underlining mutual trust and a combined vision for prosperity. He further detailed Pakistan’s standpoint on several regional issues, including transport, connectivity, youth empowerment, and disaster relief.
A Joint Communiqué is expected to be finalized during the meeting, representing the unified views of SCO Member States on key sectors like trade, climate change, and food security.
On concluding today’s session, Pakistan’s role as the Chair of the Council of Heads of Government will officially commence, lasting until autumn 2024. Pakistan’s leadership will be characterized by its commitment to the SCO Charter, focusing on pragmatic collaboration across various sectors, including mining, energy, and IT.
The briefing also highlighted Pakistan’s distress over the situation in occupied Palestine. The spokesperson lamented the tragic loss of lives in Gaza due to Israel’s actions and stressed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause. Disappointment was voiced at the UN Security Council’s inaction despite significant humanitarian law violations in Gaza.
Pakistan eagerly anticipates the emergency session of the UNGA, hoping for a decisive resolution to end the violence in Gaza. Calls were made to the global community and Israel’s backers to halt the aggression, aid Gaza, and prevent further destabilization in the Middle East. Pakistan continues to champion a two-state solution with Palestine based on pre-1967 borders.
The spokesperson drew parallels between Palestine and IIOJK, criticizing India’s actions in the latter. The imminent 76th anniversary of India’s occupation of Jammu and Kashmir was noted. Pakistan pledges unwavering support to Kashmir, advocating for the region’s right to self-determination under UNSC resolutions.