KHANKENDI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said “the evolving global landscape has made regional cooperation even more essential” and described the Israeli attack on Iran as “unlawful, uncalled for and unjustified”.
Addressing the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) summit in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, the prime minister discussed a host of other issues too, including Indian aggression and weaponising water, climate change and Gaza.
Shehbaz noted that “the forces of instability and chaos continue to destabilise our region for geopolitical agendas”.
“ECO represents our best hope, and Pakistan is a proud partner in these collective efforts,” as he stressed the need for closer collaboration.
While mentioning Israel, Shehbaz also highlighted the sufferings of Palestinians in Gaza.
“The world is witnessing an unprecedented man-made catastrophe in Gaza, a region that has descended into an abyss of perpetual suffering.”
INDUS WATERS TREATY
About India, he again made it clear that any violation of Indus Waters Treaty was unacceptable – a stance that Islamabad has already described as “an act of war”.
“The unprovoked and reckless Indian hostility directed at Pakistan after an unfortunate incident in India’s illegally occupied Kashmir was yet another attempt to destabilise regional peace.”
He said, “We are witnessing a new and alarming trend with India’s weaponisation of water, illegal attempt to defy the World Bank-negotiated Indus Water Treaty and its blatant disregard for the recent ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration are unacceptable and should be rejected with contempt.”
CLIMATE CHANGE
About climate change, the prime minister highlighted the broader adverse effects not only on Pakistan but also the entire region.
In this respect, he mentioned extreme weather events, melting glaciers, desertification, soil erosion and reduced agricultural productivity.
“Deeper collaboration among ECO members is essential to build resilience and ensure sustainable development amid increasing environmental and political uncertainty.”