Pakistan to Leverage SCO Summit for Regional Cooperation and Economic Advancement
Pakistan’s Minister Attaullah Tarar announced that the upcoming SCO summit will promote regional cooperation and trade, enhance Pakistan’s global image, and address urgent issues like counter-terrorism and climate change. He highlighted the importance of peace in the Middle East and reinforced the need for increased economic cooperation among member states, while expressing optimism about Pakistan’s growing economy, particularly in the digital sector.
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture, Mr. Attaullah Tarar, has articulated that the forthcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit serves as a pivotal platform for fostering regional cooperation, enhancing trade, and strengthening financial integrity among member states. Speaking at a media workshop conducted by the China Media Group, Mr. Tarar conveyed his optimism that the summit would not only elevate Pakistan’s international standing but also herald positive economic developments within the nation. He noted that this summit occurs at a critical juncture when Pakistan is witnessing encouraging advancements in its economy, stating, “At a time when good news is coming regarding the national economy and fruits of economic development have started reaching the people, hosting the SCO summit will promote Pakistan’s image and its future prospects.” Highlighting the SCO’s role as a foremost forum for regional collaboration, Mr. Tarar expressed pride in Pakistan’s hosting of the summit, underscoring the importance of addressing pressing matters such as counter-terrorism and regional security. He poignantly recalled the 80,000 casualties suffered by Pakistan in the struggle against terrorism, asserting, “Over 80,000 Pakistani citizens were martyred in the anti-terrorism war, which was meant to make the world a safer place. We hope that regional cooperation in counter-terrorism will promote peace in the region.” In addition, the minister emphasized the urgency of regional cooperation in tackling climate change challenges, particularly given Pakistan’s pronounced vulnerability to its impacts. Despite contributing less than one percent of global toxic gas emissions, Pakistan bears substantial consequences from climate-related disasters such as floods and cyclones. “We have to bear the brunt of climate change’s damage in the form of floods and cyclones,” Mr. Tarar remarked, advocating for collaborative efforts among regional nations in addressing the climate agenda. Mr. Tarar also articulated Pakistan’s long-standing stance on the necessity for enduring peace in the Middle East, highlighting the imperative to address the Palestinian issue. He remarked, “Peace in the Middle East was crucial for global stability, and that it was the responsibility of the civilised world to ensure an early ceasefire.” He condemned the ongoing violence against Palestinians, calling for a cessation of hostilities and stating, “The world should admit that there was genocide of innocent Palestinians in Palestine, and war crimes are being committed.” On a positive note, Mr. Tarar expressed confidence in the trajectory of Pakistan’s economic landscape, citing quantifiable growth in remittances and IT exports. He articulated, “Economic indicators of Pakistan are improving, and hosting the SCO summit at this point will prove beneficial for Pakistan.” He further underscored the significance of the digital economy in driving regional integration and is optimistic about the role of the youth, who constitute 68% of Pakistan’s population. Moreover, he acknowledged the financial support received from China, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, which facilitated the finalization of an agreement with the International Monetary Fund. Mr. Tarar concluded his statements by stressing the imperative for greater financial integration and economic collaboration among the SCO member states, envisioning Pakistan as a strategic trade hub for Central Asia. He proposed, “With more cooperation among the member states of the SCO, the people of the region could be taken to prosperity.”
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a prominent regional organization founded to foster political, economic, and cultural collaboration among member states. Recently, the organization has focused on combating regional security threats, including terrorism, and addressing critical issues such as climate change and sustainable economic development. Pakistan’s role as the host of the upcoming SCO summit signifies its strategic importance within the region and provides an opportunity to showcase its economic advancements and regional cooperation initiatives.
In summary, Pakistan’s readiness to host the upcoming SCO summit reflects its commitment to enhancing regional cooperation and addressing pressing issues such as trade, security, climate change, and economic development. Minister Attaullah Tarar’s remarks emphasize the significance of collaborative efforts among member states to ensure peace and prosperity in the region. By capitalizing on its strategic position and fostering financial integration, Pakistan aspires to emerge as a central hub for trade and regional connectivity.
Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com
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