ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) wrapped up its two-day summit on Wednesday with a renewed emphasis on regional security and stability, particularly concerning Afghanistan.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif used the platform to urge the international community to press the Taliban for an inclusive political structure in Afghanistan.
During his address, Sharif stressed that Afghanistan must ensure its territory is not used for terrorist activities against neighboring countries.
He emphasized the importance of preventing Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for extremist groups and called for a united effort to support Afghanistan’s stability and economic recovery.
“While the international community should extend necessary support to Afghanistan to avoid humanitarian crises and economic collapse, the interim Afghan government must take concrete steps toward political inclusivity,” Mr. Sharif said. “A stable Afghanistan is essential for establishing durable trade and transit routes that benefit all SCO member states.”
Pakistan, which hosted Chinese Premier Li Qiang in an elaborate state visit earlier this week, refrained from inviting the Taliban to the summit amid ongoing tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, particularly concerning Pakistan’s concerns over the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
In their joint statement, China and Pakistan called for “coordinated global efforts to encourage Afghanistan to create an inclusive political framework, pursue moderate policies, and engage in good neighborly relations.”
They also emphasized strengthening anti-terrorism cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels, to support Afghanistan in adopting comprehensive measures to eradicate terrorism.
Taliban, however, have repeatedly dismissed such calls, asserting that their current political structure—composed of longstanding Taliban leaders—is inclusive and that they do not permit any group to use Afghan soil to threaten other nations.
