BISHKEK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has warned countries against using water as a political tool, saying the region’s vital water resources must never be “weaponised” or used as an instrument of coercion.
The prime minister made the remarks while addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State Summit in Bishkek on Tuesday, shortly after Pakistan formally assumed the organisation’s chairmanship for 2026-27.
Pakistan will hold the SCO chairmanship for one year and is scheduled to host the next SCO Council of Heads of State summit in Islamabad in 2027.
PM Shehbaz calls water ‘lifeblood’ of South Asia
Addressing the summit, PM Shehbaz said lasting peace was essential for South Asia to realise its economic and development potential.
“South Asia cannot realise its true potential without lasting peace. Water is the lifeblood of our region; it sustains millions of lives, nourishes our land,” he said.
The prime minister stressed that water should never be used for political leverage.
“It must never be weaponised; it must never be used as an instrument of coercion nor can it ever be exploited for political leverage,” he said.
His remarks come amid heightened regional tensions over water resources and transboundary rivers.
Pakistan’s SCO priorities
PM Shehbaz said Pakistan would focus during its SCO chairmanship on strengthening cooperation among member states in regional security, economic development, energy, information technology and regional connectivity.
He described the SCO as an important platform for promoting global peace and stability, noting that the organisation had completed 25 years.
The prime minister said Pakistan remained an active and responsible member of the organisation and supported collective efforts to address common regional challenges.
He also stressed Pakistan’s support for the peaceful resolution of conflicts, respect for international law and implementation of international agreements according to their spirit and letter.
PM highlights Islamabad MoU
The prime minister also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts during the recent regional crisis, saying Islamabad had played an effective role in promoting peace.
According to PM Shehbaz, Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts contributed to the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Iran and the United States.
He described the agreement as an important step towards reducing regional tensions and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to promoting lasting peace.
PM Shehbaz to Visit Kyrgyzstan for SCO Summit, Bilateral Talks
Pakistan’s sacrifices against terrorism
PM Shehbaz also drew attention to the threat posed by terrorism in the SCO region.
He said Pakistan had sacrificed more than 90,000 lives in the fight against terrorism and suffered economic losses exceeding $150 billion.
The prime minister called terrorism one of the most serious challenges facing the region and stressed the need for greater cooperation among SCO member states.
Regional connectivity a ‘strategic necessity’
With more than 3 billion people living across the SCO region, PM Shehbaz said regional connectivity was not merely an option but a strategic necessity.
He called for stronger cooperation on rail, road and energy corridors, saying recent crises had highlighted the importance of secure energy routes.
The prime minister described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as an important link connecting regional economies with the Arabian Sea.
He also called for the implementation of the SCO Development Strategy 2035 and backed the establishment of an SCO Development Bank.
Energy and IT among Pakistan’s priorities
PM Shehbaz said Pakistan would continue working towards poverty alleviation and stronger social protection during its SCO chairmanship.
He identified energy and information technology as two key priority areas for Pakistan during its one-year term.
Earlier, leaders of SCO member states signed the summit declaration, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
PM Shehbaz is on a three-day official visit to Kyrgyzstan from August 31 to September 2. During the visit, he is attending the SCO summit and the SCO Plus Summit, along with holding bilateral meetings.
