Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended an indirect invitation for dialogue with New Delhi.
Addressing the SCO Summit 2025 in Tianjin, the premier called for ‘structural dialogue’ on all outstanding regional disputes.
Indus Water Treaty:
He particularly highlighted the need for talks on Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), raising concerns over India’s ‘violations’ of World Bank-brokered agreement of 1960.
India held the IWT in abeyance following April 22’s Pahalgam terrorist attack, accusing Islamabad of the incident. Pakistan strongly rejected the allegations, terming suspension of the treaty by India “an act of war.”
Later, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague issued a “Supplemental Award of Competence” in the case. The Award stated that New Delhi cannot unilaterally hold the treaty in abeyance.
In an apparent reference to Indian move, PM Shehbaz highlighted the need for uninterrupted access to water resources under existing treaties.
Address and Meetings:
The PM seeks SCO members’ support to resolve the outstanding regional issues. He said SCO members should lead the comprehensive dialogue (between Pakistan and India), reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to “dialogue and diplomacy over conflict and confrontation.”
Islamabad, affirmed the PM Shehbaz, respects the sovereignty and integrity of all SCO members.
He said Pakistan respects all international and bilateral agreements. The premier added that Islamabad hoped each member of the SCO follow agreements in letter and spirit.
He talked about the devastation and destruction caused by the recent floods in Pakistan, thanking international community for its support.
“My country is once again facing devastating floods causing heavy loss of life and severe damage. We deeply value the solidarity and support of the international community, including China,” the government official account on X quoted him as saying.
Shehbaz Sharif highlighted Islamabad’s efforts and sacrifices to defeat the terrorism, pointing out “foreign hands in major terror incidents in the country.” The PM vowed support for stable Afghanistan, expressing grief over the lost of lives in earthquake. He condemned the “Israeli aggression and bloodshed in Gaza”, pledging support for Palestine cause.
On the sidelines, Shehbaz met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and President of Azerbaijan Illham Aliyev.
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