Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday advised India not to use terrorism to raise diplomatic issues, saying terrorist activities remain a serious impediment to peace in the region.
The Prime Minister’s statement came during his address at the 23rd meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of States (CHS), which was being hosted by India under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
During the address, the Prime Minister said that SCO members have a common interest in ensuring peace and stability in the region, which is a precondition for economic development anywhere in the world.
“The maddened monster of terrorism and extremism, whether perpetrated by individuals, societies or states, must be fought with full force and conviction,” the Prime Minister said.
“any temptation to use [terrorism] Should be avoided under all circumstances for diplomatic point-scoring. Terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, including state terrorism, must be condemned in clear and unambiguous terms.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz said that there can be no justification for killing innocent people, whatever be the reason or excuse.
“Similarly, religious minorities should never be demonized to serve a domestic, political agenda,” he added.
Prime Minister Shahbaz said that Pakistan has made many sacrifices to fight terrorism, adding that the menace of terrorism pervades the region and is a major obstacle in achieving peace.
“SCO countries must take concrete and immediate action […] Against terrorism, extremism and separatism, the Prime Minister said, it is the responsibility of all the member states.
SCO should join hands to fight terrorism: Modi
Earlier, Indian PM Modi had said in his address that SCO should join hands to fight terrorism and should not hesitate to condemn countries that support terrorism.
Modi also urged the leaders of the Eurasian political and security grouping to work for the welfare of Afghanistan and provide humanitarian aid to Kabul.
Modi told the virtual summit of SCO leaders that Afghan soil should not be used to destabilize its neighbourhood.
Other countries participating in the meeting include Russia, China and Pakistan.
More to follow…
