Pakistan’s Federal Minister Attaullah Tarar highlighted the importance of the SCO summit for enhancing regional cooperation, trade, and financial integrity among member countries. He addressed issues such as counter-terrorism, regional security, the impact of climate change, and the Palestinian crisis while expressing optimism about Pakistan’s economic prospects and the significance of digital commerce.
During a recent media workshop organized by the China Media Group, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture, Attaullah Tarar, articulated the significant role of the forthcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit as a critical platform for fostering regional cooperation, trade, and financial integrity among member nations. Minister Tarar expressed his optimism regarding the impact of this summit on enhancing Pakistan’s global image and future prospects, especially amidst a backdrop of favorable economic developments within the country. “Hosting the SCO summit will promote Pakistan’s image and its future prospects,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of the SCO as a vital forum for collaborative regional efforts. The discussions surrounding the summit will extend beyond trade, addressing paramount issues such as counter-terrorism and regional security. Minister Tarar highlighted Pakistan’s sacrifices in the ongoing fight against terrorism, noting, “Over 80,000 Pakistani citizens were martyred in the anti-terrorism war, which was meant to make the world a safer place.” He articulated the necessity for regional collaboration in combating terrorism to ensure lasting peace. Additionally, Tarar underscored the urgent need for a collective regional response to the challenges presented by climate change, pointing out that while Pakistan’s contribution to global toxic gas emissions is minimal, it has disproportionately suffered the consequences through devastating floods and cyclones. “We have to bear the brunt of climate change’s damage in the form of floods and cyclones,” he acknowledged, advocating for a united approach to climate-related issues. The Minister also addressed the critical Palestinian issue, asserting the importance of this dialogue at the SCO summit. He condemned the ongoing violence against Palestinians, calling it a formative responsibility of the global community to intervene. “The world should admit that there was genocide of innocent Palestinians in Palestine, and war crimes are being committed,” he stated emphatically, reiterating the significance of peace in the Middle East for overall global stability. On the economic front, Minister Tarar expressed encouragement over Pakistan’s improving economic indicators, which include a notable increase in remittances and IT exports. “Economic indicators of Pakistan are improving, and hosting the SCO summit at this point will prove beneficial for Pakistan,” he affirmed, highlighting the essential role of the digital economy in Pakistan’s future. He also acknowledged the support received from China, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, which facilitated an agreement with the International Monetary Fund, and he attributed the government’s successful economic measures to a decrease in interest rates, ultimately stimulating investment. “Thanks to the economic measures taken by the government, the interest rate has decreased, and investment has increased,” he articulated. Taking into account Pakistan’s strategic location, Minister Tarar emphasized the potential for the country to serve as a regional trade hub, calling for enhanced financial integration and cooperation among SCO member states. He advocated for greater cultural exchanges and stronger interconnections among the peoples of the region to pave the way toward shared prosperity. “With more cooperation among the member states of the SCO, the people of the region could be taken to prosperity,” he concluded.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a political, economic, and security alliance originally formed in 2001, comprising China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and several Central Asian countries. The SCO summit aims to strengthen ties and enhance cooperation among member states to address common challenges, including economic development, security threats, and climate change. Given Pakistan’s strategic role in the organization, especially in light of its ongoing economic recovery and regional stability efforts, the summit provides an opportunity to discuss these critical issues on a mutual platform.
In summary, the upcoming SCO summit presents a crucial opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its commitment to regional cooperation, economic development, and global peace initiatives. Minister Tarar’s emphasis on addressing key issues such as counter-terrorism, climate change, and the Palestinian plight reflects Pakistan’s broader goals of enhancing its international image and fostering collaborative efforts among SCO member states for a more stable and prosperous future.
Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com
