SCO Summit game-changer for progress: Maryam

Political figures have expressed hope that this summit could be a game-changer for Pakistan and yield fruitful results

By Faizan Bangash

October 15, 2024

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz (C) along with Marriyum Aurangzeb (L) during visits Rawalpindi Ring Road on February 29, 2024. — Facebook/Maryam Nawaz Sharif

LAHORE: Politicians have termed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad a positive sign for the country’s economic stability.

Political figures have expressed hope that this summit could be a game-changer for Pakistan and yield fruitful results. “The summit taking place in Pakistan is a matter of pride for the entire nation. Targets aimed at eradicating poverty and achieving economic stability will be accomplished,” said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, in her message regarding the SCO, which begins in Islamabad today.

“This summit will prove to be a game-changer for Pakistan,” said Maryam Nawaz. She welcomed the foreign dignitaries and said that the presence of foreign leaders in Pakistan is a very positive sign. “This summit will open new horizons of cooperation,” she said.

Federal Minister Riaz Pirzada, speaking to The News about the SCO in Pakistan, said it was encouraging to see foreign leadership visiting the country. “This summit has been made possible due to the efforts of the prime minister and the chief of the army staff,” said the minister, who hails from Bahawalpur. He emphasised that the summit would pave the way for economic stability in Pakistan.

Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and federal minister in Imran Khan’s cabinet Shafqat Mehmood expressed satisfaction over the SCO being held in Pakistan. Shafqat, who is currently not active in politics, said that China has always stood by Pakistan, and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project reflects the strength of their bilateral relationship. He welcomed the foreign leaders visiting Pakistan.

Additionally, senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) MPA Samiullah Khan, speaking in the Punjab Assembly on Monday, criticised PTI leader Hammad Azhar’s call for a protest at D-Chowk on October 15, the day the SCO summit commences. He claimed that the PTI aimed to sabotage the event. “In such circumstances, law enforcement agencies and state organs have no choice but to take action to maintain peace,” Sami Ullah Khan said.