Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan's solemn resolve and commitment to realise the true potential of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

He was addressing the SCO Plus Summit in Bishkek today.

As Pakistan assumes the chairmanship of the SCO, the Prime Minister said we shall be guided by the conviction that the SCO must deliver tangible dividends to its peoples.

He stressed the need to prioritise information technology and artificial intelligence, energy development and poverty reduction, disaster management, health, culture and sports.

He also called for greater efforts to elevate the SCO to even greater heights.

Talking about the menace of terrorism, Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan remains fully committed to advancing the shared objectives under the SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure in combating the three evils of terrorism, separatism and religious extremism.

He said Pakistan believes that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including state terrorism, must be condemned in clear and unambiguous terms. He further said terrorist groups that continue to use Afghan territory to attack Pakistan and other neighbouring countries and to kill innocent people must be effectively stopped.

Highlighting importance of water, the Prime Minister said it is lifeblood of the region as it sustains millions of lives, nourishes lands and secures the future of coming generations. He said water must never be weaponised or used as an instrument of political coercion.

He said the treaties governing shared waters are binding commitments that must be honoured unconditionally in letter and spirit.

The Prime Minister also invited the participants to attend the next edition of the SCO Plus meeting, which will be held in Islamabad in 2027.