PM Shehbaz Urges ECO States to Tackle Climate, Regional Threats Collectively

The PM condemned Israel’s strike on Iran as

“unlawful and unjustified” and also

denounced India’s “reckless hostility” in IHK

APP

Khankendi: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) to deepen collaboration in response to urgent regional and global challenges such as climate change and geopolitical instability.

Addressing the 17th ECO Summit in Khankendi, the prime minister stressed the pressing need for joint efforts, citing the devastating effects of climate change like melting glaciers, desertification, and declining agricultural productivity.

“Pakistan remains among the top 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change,” he said, referencing the 2022 floods that displaced over 33 million people and the recent heatwave fatalities.

Pakistan Proposes Regional Resilience Plan
PM Shehbaz outlined Pakistan’s “4F Plan” focused on resilience, recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. He proposed developing low-emission corridors and a regional disaster resilience system, along with mobilizing climate finance, clean energy corridors, and eco-tourism projects to create green jobs for youth and women.

Condemns Israeli, Indian Aggression
The prime minister condemned Israel’s strike on Iran as “unlawful and unjustified” and also denounced India’s “reckless hostility” following tensions in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He praised Pakistan’s Armed Forces under Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and thanked ECO member states for their support.

He also criticized India’s “weaponization of water” through violations of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it an unacceptable act of aggression.

Push for Economic Integration
Emphasizing ECO’s founding vision, PM Shehbaz called for operationalizing long-pending agreements like the ECO Trade Agreement (ECOTA) and regional transport corridors. “Promotion of trade and investment is key to achieving connectivity, energy security, and growth,” he said.

He thanked ECO for naming Lahore the ECO Tourism Capital for 2027 and invited delegates to experience Pakistan’s cultural heritage.

Shehbaz Meets Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev on ECO Summit Sidelines
On the sidelines of the summit, PM Shehbaz Sharif held a bilateral meeting with President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, where both leaders agreed to deepen economic ties, especially in trade and investment.

PM Shehbaz thanked Azerbaijan for hosting the summit and for its hospitality during his visit to Lachin in May. He also appreciated Azerbaijan’s support to Pakistan during recent conflicts and reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued backing for Azerbaijan.

Both leaders welcomed progress on bilateral projects and reiterated their resolve to elevate economic partnership. The PM extended a fresh invitation to President Aliyev to visit Pakistan soon.