BISHKEK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on regional countries to ensure that water is never used as a political weapon or an instrument of pressure, stressing that the resource is vital to the survival and prosperity of millions across South Asia.
Addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State Summit in Bishkek, PM Shehbaz said water was the “lifeblood” of the region and should not be exploited for political leverage.
“Water sustains millions of lives and nourishes our land. It must never be weaponised, used as an instrument of coercion or exploited for political leverage,” he said.
The remarks came against the backdrop of tensions between Pakistan and India over the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague has maintained that the treaty remains in force while disputes continue over India’s hydroelectric projects.
India suspended the treaty following the April 2025 attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 people dead. New Delhi accused Pakistan of involvement, a charge Islamabad rejected. The dispute was followed by intense military clashes between the two countries in May before a US-brokered ceasefire brought the fighting to an end.
Pakistan takes SCO chair
Pakistan formally assumed the SCO chairmanship for 2026–27 during the summit. Islamabad will host the next Council of Heads of State meeting in 2027 and will oversee the organisation’s activities for the coming year.
The prime minister said Pakistan would use its chairmanship to promote cooperation in regional security, economic development, energy, information technology and connectivity.
He described the SCO as an important forum for promoting peace, stability and collective action, noting that the organisation’s 25-year journey marked a significant milestone.
PM Shehbaz said the changing global environment, marked by geopolitical tensions and conflicts, required countries to resolve disputes peacefully and uphold international law.
Islamabad’s role in regional diplomacy
The premier highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts during recent regional crises, saying Islamabad had contributed to de-escalation and dialogue.
He cited the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between Iran and the United States as an example of Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate peace and reduce tensions.
PM Shehbaz also stressed that international agreements must be implemented in both their spirit and letter, urging states to honour their commitments.
Speaking about the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, he reiterated that the agreement was defensive in character and was not aimed at any particular country.
Gaza and terrorism
The prime minister also drew attention to the suffering of Palestinians, calling on the international community to uphold the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and support other oppressed communities.
He identified terrorism as one of the region’s most pressing challenges and said Pakistan had paid a heavy price in its fight against militancy.
According to PM Shehbaz, more than 90,000 Pakistanis have lost their lives in the war against terrorism, while the country has suffered economic losses exceeding $150 billion.
Connectivity, CPEC among priorities
PM Shehbaz said the SCO region was home to more than three billion people, making stronger regional connectivity a strategic requirement.
He called for greater cooperation on rail, road and energy infrastructure, particularly in light of recent crises that have highlighted the importance of secure energy routes.
The prime minister described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a key connectivity initiative capable of linking regional economies with the Arabian Sea.
He also backed implementation of the SCO Development Strategy 2035 and supported the proposed establishment of an SCO Development Bank.
Pakistan, he said, would continue supporting poverty reduction and social protection initiatives while placing particular emphasis on energy and information technology during its SCO chairmanship.
SCO declaration adopted
Earlier, leaders of SCO member states signed the summit declaration, with PM Shehbaz, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping among those endorsing the document.
PM Shehbaz is visiting Kyrgyzstan from August 31 to September 2. During his three-day visit, he is participating in the SCO Council of Heads of State and SCO Plus Summit, in addition to holding bilateral meetings with participating leaders.
