Pakistan calls for dialogue to ensure peace, security in South Asia

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, presently having uneasy eastern and western borders, has called out for a “comprehensive and structured dialogue” to ensure peace and security in South Asia.

Without naming either India or Afghanistan, Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, while speaking at the SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting in Moscow, reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering belief in dialogue, diplomacy and international law.

“We believe that disputes and differences should be resolved amicably through dialogue, diplomacy and honoring mutually agreed international treaties, rather than through conflict, coercion or unilateral actions. Against this backdrop, the initiation of a comprehensive and structured dialogue can meaningfully address the full spectrum of issues that have long bedevilled peace and security in South Asia,” said Dar in the presence of his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar who sat across him at the table.

However, later in his statement, the foreign minister named Afghanistan when he pointed out that “sustainable economic development cannot be guaranteed without durable peace and security in the region. Ensuring stability in Afghanistan is imperative for safeguarding peace and stability in our region. Pakistan continues to aspire toward a peaceful, stable, regionally integrated and prosperous Afghanistan, which is at peace with itself and its neighbors.”

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) created in 2001 proposes to enhance cooperation on security, political and economic issues among member states. Its primary goals include strengthening relations between member nations, promoting peace and stability in the region and combating terrorism.

Turning to regional connectivity, the DPM/FM raised the issue of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which he said was a force multiplier for regional connectivity, not only by connecting Pakistan to China but also by offering all SCO countries a chance to invest in regional economic integration, and in this regard Pakistan’s location at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East makes it an ideal trade conduit for the Eurasian region.

He welcomed President Xi’s Global Governance Initiative (GGI) and appreciated the launch of six cooperation platforms in energy, green industry, digital economy, scientific and technological innovation, high education and vocational and technical education.

“Like many other, these were stellar initiatives of President Xi under China’s chairmanship. The SCO Business Council and SCO Interbank Association can play a vital role in fostering economic and commercial cooperation and investment among SCO member states,” he added.

Pakistan also proposed concrete steps toward promoting the use of national currencies for mutual settlement, and toward establishing the SCO Development Bank, SCO Development Fund and Investment Fund.