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PM SHEHBAZ CALLS FOR EXPANSION OF CHINA’S BRI TO ENHANCE REGIONAL COOPERATION Thursday, 17 October, 2024 I | 13 Rabi ul Sani, 1446
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Use of Afghan soil for terrorism must be stopped: PM tells SCO Summit
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AKISTAN’S Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on Wednesday for the expansion of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to enhance regional cooperation. He was addressing heads of government meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a Eurasian security and political group formed in 2001, being held in Islamabad and attended by officials from 11 countries, including host Pakistan, China, Russia and India. “Flagship projects like the Belt and Road Initiative of President Xi Jinping…should be expanded focusing on developing road, rail and digital infrastructure that enhances integration and cooperation across our region,” Sharif said in his speech as the chair of the meeting. The BRI is a $1 trillion plan for global infrastructure and energy networks that China launched a decade ago to connect Asia with Africa and Europe through land and maritime routes. Beijing’s rivals see the BRI as a tool for China to spread its geopolitical and economic influence. Western countries, under the G7 platform, last year announced a $600 billion plan to launch a rival connectivity infrastructure development plan. BRI has also been criticised for increasing unsustainable debt in developing countries. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a part of the BRI and has seen Beijing pump billions of dollars into the South Asian country for road networks, a strategic port and an airport. Sharif said CPEC would also help enhance cooperation, adding that 40% of the world’s population lived in SCO’s 10 full member states. The SCO meeting is the highest-profile event hosted by the troubled South Asian nation in years. Seven prime ministers are attending, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Sharif also said stability in neighbouring
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Afghanistan, which lies between South and Central Asia, was essential to fully realising trade opportunities for the SCO member states. Also in attendance is India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, who is the first Indian foreign minister to visit Pakistan in nearly a decade with ties between the nuclear-armed rival neighbours continuing to be frosty. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the use of Afghan soil for terrorism must be stopped as he urged stronger regional cooperation to address shared challenges. “Regional cooperation and connectivity are essential for sustainable development,”
Shehbaz Sharif said in his opening address. “We must seize the opportunities available to provide a better standard of living and amenities for our people.” Shehbaz Sharif noted that SCO member countries make up 40% of the world’s population, highlighting the organisation’s potential to drive global progress. He also urged the need to focus on tourism, green development, and energy sectors. He also stressed that efforts to eradicate poverty should be prioritised, considering it a moral and economic issue. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed optimism that the 23rd meeting of the Council of the Heads of Government (CHG) of the
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green development, digital economy, trade, e-commerce, finance and banking, investment, high technology, start-ups and innovation, poverty alleviation, healthcare, including traditional and folk medicine, agriculture, industry, transport, logistics connectivity, energy, including renewable energy, communications, science and technology, environment and climate change. The heads of delegations, reaffirming their desire to ensure stable economic and social development in the SCO region, noted the importance of implementing the SCO Economic Development Strategy for the period up to 2030 and the Program of Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation of the SCO member states.
SCO heads of states reaffirm commitment to peacefully resolving disputes through dialogue STAFF REPORT
The heads of delegation from Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to peacefully resolving disputes through dialogue and consultations besides emphasizing the importance of strengthening cooperation across various sectors, including politics, security, trade, finance, and cultural ties, to build a prosperous, peaceful, safe, and ecologically sustainable planet. In a joint declaration issued at the conclusion of the two-day SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting held here, the heads of delegations called for sustainable and inclusive economic growth of member states by optimizing the region’s potential in areas such as
Stresses need for regional unity, tackling terrorism, poverty, and climate change
Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will produce beneficial outcomes for regional economies and uplift its people. The Prime Minister welcomed guests to Islamabad and highlighted that the summit represents the collective voice and aspirations of over 40% of the world’s population. He emphasized that the attendance of SCO leaders underscores their shared commitment to promoting cooperation, sustainable development, and regional prosperity. “The 23rd SCO CHG is a testament to the strength of ties among member states and the collaboration among diverse nations,” he stated.
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SCO members endorse China’s leadership and sign eight key agreements at Islamabad summit ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
During the SCO summit, eight significant agreements were signed, addressing the organization’s budget, secretariat operations, and regional counterterrorism efforts. This initiative highlights the SCO’s commitment to enhancing cooperation in security, trade, and economic development. The summit, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, emphasized member states’ dedication to fostering regional peace, political stability, and socio-economic collaboration. Leaders also acknowledged the necessity for increased cooperation in science, technology, the digital economy, and information security. In support of global peace and devel-
India pledges to cooperate with Pakistan while leading the SCO: Jaishankar ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has highlighted the importance of addressing challenges between neighbours through honest dialogue and cooperation during his speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad. Jaishankar congratulated Pakistan on assuming the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of Government and assured India’s full cooperation throughout Pakistan’s tenure, according to Express news.
Speaking to the summit attendees, Jaishankar noted that the world is currently facing two major global conflicts, alongside the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has severely impacted developing nations. He further pointed out that SCO member states are grappling with challenges like debt and other economic issues. Jaishankar emphasised that one of the core objectives of the SCO charter is to promote mutual trust, friendship, and cooperation among neighbouring countries. He urged that if relations between neighbours are not good, it is crucial to identify and address the underlying
President calls Senate session today ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
President Asif Ali Zardari has convened a session of the Senate, scheduled to take place at the Parliament House tomorrow (Thursday) at 3:00 PM. This session of the upper house of Parliament has been summoned under Article 54 (1) of the Constitution of Pakistan, as stated in a notification issued by the Senate Secretariat.
Imran Khan no longer in contention for chancellor’s position at Oxford University ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Imran Khan, the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, has withdrawn from the race for the chancellorship of Oxford University. The university recently published a list of 38 candidates for the prestigious position, notably omitting Khan’s name. Voting is set to begin on October 28, starting with an initial round to narrow the candidates down to the top five. These finalists will compete in the final election round commencing on November 4, with the successful candidate expected to be announced by the end of November. It is important to note that the former prime minister, who is currently incarcerated, had previously expressed his intention to seek election as the new Chancellor of the University of Oxford.
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causes. The Indian foreign minister reiterated that the SCO must focus on tackling terrorism, separatism, and extremism, three of the most significant challenges outlined in the organisation’s charter. Jaishankar also stressed that implementing the SCO charter and fostering cooperation would not only benefit member states but also have a positive impact on the wider world. He pointed out that globalisation and rebalancing are realities that cannot be ignored, and closer cooperation in trade, communication, and energy sectors would open new avenues for regional development.
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STAFF CORRESPONDENT
by a more than hour-long consultation between the PML-N and Maulana Fazlur Rehman. The talks then extended to a joint meeting between the senior leadership of PMLN and JUI-F. Sources indicate that a complete consensus was reached on the proposed 26th constitutional amendment. “Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed his reservations and displeasure to Nawaz and Shehbaz Sharif, who assured him that his concerns would be addressed,” one insider revealed. The meeting also reviewed the PPP’s proposed draft of the amendment, with expectations that agreement could be reached. Fazlur Rehman’s concerns were thoroughly discussed, and detailed briefings were provided on the vote count in both houses of Parliament. In addition, the gathering re-
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SCO leaders emphasise exploiting region’s trade, connectivity potential ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
PML-N, PPP, JUI-F agree on constitutional amendments regarding judiciary
Three major political parties of the country — Pakistan Muslim LeagueN, Pakistan Peoples Party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam — late Wednesday night agreed on judicial reforms of the Constitutional Package while consultations would continue for further points. Addressing the media after a meeting attended by Mian Nawaz Sharif, PM Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Zardari, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and others, the Maulana and Bilawal told media that the meeting had agreed on judicial reforms over Pakistan’s 26th constitutional amendment, with claims that the required number of votes for its approval have been secured. The announcement follows high-level political meetings hosted by PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif at his Jati Umra residence in Lahore on Wednesday. According to sources, a crucial meeting took place between key political leaders, including Nawaz Sharif, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. Maulana Fazlur Rehman, accompanied by the PPP leadership—Zardari and Bilawal—arrived at Jati Umra, where they were greeted by Nawaz and Shehbaz Sharif. Discussions began with Nawaz and Shehbaz Sharif holding talks with senior PML-N leaders, followed
opment, summit participants backed UN General Assembly resolutions. The 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit commenced in Islamabad, where Prime Minister Shehbaz delivered the keynote address at the Jinnah Convention Centre. The event, secured tightly, welcomed leaders and representatives from across the region to strengthen regional ties and trade. Key attendees included Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, and leaders from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Iran. India was represented by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, while Mongolia attended as an observer, led by its Prime Minister.
viewed consultations with coalition partners, including the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), and mapped out a strategy to ensure the amendment’s approval. Responsibilities were assigned to leaders of allied parties to ensure maximum attendance during the parliamentary sessions. It is believed that a consensus draft among the three major parties has been finalised and could be presented in the National Assembly on October 18. Sources confirmed that the dinner was attended by key political figures, including Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, and Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan. The breakthrough comes as the PPP and JUI-F have reportedly already agreed on a draft of the constitutional amendment, with today’s meeting focused on securing PMLN’s endorsement of the joint proposal.
The regional leaders participating the 23rd meeting of the SCO’s Council of Heads of Government on Wednesday emphasised the concerted efforts and enhanced collaboration to exploit the region’s potential, particularly in trade and connectivity. The annual meeting of the SCO heads of government was chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and addressed by China’s Premier of the State Council Li Qiang, Prime Minister of Belarus Roman Golovchenko, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Tajik Prime Minister Kohir Rasulzoda, Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Kyrgyzstan’s Chairman of Ministers’ Cabinet Zhaparov Akylbek, Trade Minister of Iran Seyyed Mohammad Atabek, and Indian External Affairs Minister Besides, Mongolia’s Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai and Turkmenistan Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Rashid Meredov also addressed the event. In his address, Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for deepening and expanding cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). He also urged the SCO member states to strengthen strategic alignment, actively respond to major risks, and expand personnel exchanges. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin called for the removal of obstacles to the implementation of plans to increase the share of national currencies in mutual settlements between the SCO countries. He said that his country was considering the possibility of holding a Startup Forum of the SCO next year to share best practices in the field of innovation and launch joint projects. Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov said that his country was committed to make efforts to exploit the potential for cooperation among the member states. Stressing the need for measures to promote trade, he called for the simplification of trade procedures, elimination of trade barriers and promotion of cooperation in digital technology and industrial sectors besides enhancing regional connectivity. Tajikistan’s Prime Minister Kokhir Rasoolzoda also emphasised joint efforts for peace and economic development through enhanced cooperation and competitiveness. Citing immense potential, he also called for increasing investment in industrial sector. Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredev said Turkmenistan was committed to expand cooperation with SCO member states in trade, energy and connectivity projects. He said the prospects for such projects were high, so the member states should make joint efforts to exploit the potential. Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar pointed to challenges including the RussiaUkraine war, the Israel-Palestine war, the fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic, and disruptions such as extreme climate events, supply chain uncertainties, and the solutions provided in the SCO Charter. He said that globalisation and rebalancing had created new opportunities in trade, investment, connectivity, energy flows, and other forms of collaboration that the SCO region can benefit from. SCO Secretary-General Zhang Ming said that being one of the largest regional organisations, the SCO member states should enhance collaboration for regional peace and prosperity. Highlighting the SCO Secretariat’s performance for facilitation of the member states, he told the participants that 2025 would be observed as “Year of Sustainable Development”.