The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit declaration has endorsed Pakistan’s longstanding and unequivocal stance on terrorism, reaffirming that the menace in all its forms and manifestations is unacceptable.

The declaration stated that Pakistan’s consistent position against terrorism has been acknowledged globally, and once again reflected in the joint statement of the SCO member states.

The SCO emphasised that double standards in the fight against terrorism are unacceptable and urged member countries to strengthen cooperation against all terror groups without distinction.

The statement strongly condemned recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan, including the Jaffer Express incident and the attack on a school bus in Khuzdar, terming them inhumane and unacceptable.

SCO members stressed the need to effectively counter all aspects of terrorism, including the cross-border movement of militants.

They also called for joint and effective action against all terrorist organisations, in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and the principles of the UN Charter.

On Afghanistan, the declaration underscored the importance of establishing an inclusive government with participation from representatives of all ethnic and political groups to ensure lasting peace and stability in the war-torn country.

The SCO further stated that every nation has the sovereign right to choose its own path of development, and rejected the use of terrorist groups for political or strategic purposes as unacceptable.