ASTANA, MAY 21 /DNA/ – Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke at the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the SCO Charter and the “Shanghai Spirit” of mutual trust and shared prosperity.

Dar outlined Pakistan’s priorities as the current Chair of the SCO Council of Heads of Government. These priorities include connectivity, transport links, youth empowerment, and poverty alleviation.

He called for upholding international law and the UN Charter, emphasizing self-determination and peaceful dispute resolution.

Dar warned against confrontational geopolitics and supported a multipolar world based on multilateralism.

He stressed the need for collective efforts to combat terrorism, addressing its root causes, and rejecting political misuse of terrorism.

Dar condemned Israel’s attacks in Gaza, which killed over 35,000 civilians, and called for an urgent ceasefire and humanitarian aid.

He emphasized the need for a two-State solution for peace in the region.

Dar discussed Afghanistan, urging international engagement with the Interim Afghan Government to meet Afghanistan’s economic needs.

He called on the Afghan government to ensure Afghan soil is not used for terrorism.

Dar highlighted Pakistan’s geostrategic location as an ideal trade and transit hub for the SCO region.

He emphasized the importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor for regional connectivity and economic integration.