SCO declaration endorses Pakistan's stance against terrorism

Tianjin (Web Desk): The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), issuing its declaration on Monday reaffirmed Pakistan’s stance on terrorism, strongly condemning all forms and expressions of this global threat.

The SCO criticized the application of double standards in combating terrorism and explicitly condemned the attacks on the Jaffer Express and a school bus in Khuzdar.

The declaration urged comprehensive and effective measures to tackle all facets of terrorism, including the cross-border movement of terrorists.

The member states emphasized the necessity of coordinated action against all terrorist groups, in alignment with United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, the global counter-terrorism framework, and UN principles.

Additionally, the SCO highlighted the importance of forming an inclusive government in Afghanistan that includes all ethnic and political factions to establish enduring peace.

The declaration affirmed that every country has the sovereign right to determine its own political, social, and economic course. It also declared that employing terrorist organizations for political or proxy aims is unacceptable.

It is important to note that Pakistan has consistently presented credible evidence to the international community showing India’s involvement in facilitating terrorism across borders. 
Documented proof links India to incidents such as the attacks on the Jaffer Express and the Khuzdar school bus.

On April 24, Pakistan’s National Security Committee (NSC) extended an offer to India for an independent investigation into the Pahalgam incident, which has not received a response from the Indian government so far.

Furthermore, Pakistan’s long-standing commitment to peace in Afghanistan is reflected in the principles outlined by the SCO declaration.

The country has repeatedly shared evidence of cross-border terrorism, and the declaration has drawn additional attention to this concern.

By endorsing Pakistan’s viewpoint on terrorism and regional conflicts, the SCO declaration highlights the success of Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives.

As a result, Pakistan is increasingly recognized as a net stabilizing force in the region.
The member states of the SCO also expressed deep concern over the escalating Palestinian-Israeli conflict, strongly condemning actions that have resulted in significant civilian casualties and a dire humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

The declaration urged intensified cooperation to combat drug trafficking and emphasized the need to continue efforts against corruption, calling on the international community to deny asylum to individuals guilty of corruption offenses.

Meanwhile, the SCO member countries also advocated for promoting cooperation in e-commerce, developing digital trade infrastructure, and bridging the gap between developed and developing nations in the digital economy.

They called for enhanced collaboration in veterinary and phytosanitary surveillance to ensure the safety of agricultural and food products, foster trade in agricultural goods, and strengthen international efforts against epidemics and infectious diseases.

The declaration further stated that SCO member states would continue to deepen cooperation in agriculture and food security, science and education, artificial intelligence, tourism, culture, health, sports, environmental protection, and sustainable socio-economic development.