“`html
Pakistan Calls for Regional Cooperation Amid Iran-israel Conflict and Indian Hostility
Table of Contents
Khankendi, Azerbaijan – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the 17th ECO Summit, calling for enhanced regional cooperation to navigate escalating geopolitical tensions, specifically citing the recent Iran-israel conflict and ongoing hostility from India towards Pakistan. Sharif emphasized that the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) presents the “best hope” for a cohesive regional response to these challenges.
During his address to the 10-nation Eurasian bloc, PM Sharif highlighted the Iran-Israel war as a prime example of destabilizing forces at play. He condemned the Israeli attack on Iran as “unlawful, uncalled for, and unjustified,” noting that the conflict resulted in at least 627 fatalities and 4,870 injuries, according to Iran’s health ministry. “Pakistan condemns this act of Israeli aggression against Iran and offers our condolences to the martyrs,” he stated.
Pakistan Stands Against Indian hostility and Water Weaponization
Sharif also addressed recent Indian aggression towards Pakistan, including accusations of supporting attacks in Kashmir and attempts to weaponize water resources. He criticized India’s “unprovoked and reckless hostility” following an incident in Indian-occupied Kashmir. He also condemned India’s attempts to undermine the Indus Water Treaty,calling it an “act of aggression” against Pakistan’s 240 million people. The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, allocates the waters of the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan [[ref]].
Did You Know? The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that India cannot unilaterally hold the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance; though, India has rejected this ruling.
Concerns Over Gaza and Climate Change
Along with the Iran-Israel conflict and tensions with India, PM Sharif voiced grave concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israeli strikes have reportedly killed over 57,000 Palestinians since October 7, 2023. He described the situation as an “unprecedented man-made catastrophe.” Moreover, Sharif addressed the impacts of climate change, outlining Pakistan’s climate-related policy initiatives under the Resilience, Recovery, rehabilitation and Reconstruction Framework (4RF) and proposing regional solutions like low-emission corridors.
Bilateral Meetings and Economic Cooperation
On the sidelines of the ECO Summit, PM Sharif engaged in bilateral meetings with Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Discussions with President Aliyev focused on strengthening economic partnerships, with Azerbaijan committing to a $2 billion investment in Pakistan’s economic sector. Talks with President Pezeshkian centered on regional developments following the recent Israel-Iran war, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to regional peace through dialog and diplomacy.
Pro Tip: Regional
