Panel on “SCO and Regional Security Cooperation”

July 3, 2025 (1600hrs - 1745hrs)

Excellencies,

Distinguished delegates,

Esteemed President Liu Luming,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is my immense pleasure to join this august gathering at the 13th World Peace Forum. I am particularly grateful to President Liu Luming for the kind invitation and to Tsinghua University for its outstanding role in promoting dialogue on peace and security. For me this event today is both a reaffirmation of the World Peace Forum’s continued focus on international peace and security, and Embassy’s continued collaboration with this prestigious platform.

Today’s topic “SCO and Regional Security Cooperation” is both timely and crucial. We meet at a moment when the world faces complex and unprecedented challenges. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has emerged as a vital platform for promoting stability, fostering dialogue, and strengthening mutual trust among its member states.

As Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, this year’s forum is particularly exciting for me, as both our countries are playing lead role in spearheading the SCO processes. Pakistan hosted the Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad last year, and China is hosting the Council of Heads of State this year. With a strong commitment to multilateralism and regional connectivity, our two countries have always been sane voices for international peace and security,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Shanghai Spirit has permeated into the developing world at a large scale, The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) today represents one of the most significant multilateral platforms in the world, econompassing over 3.5 billion people, or more than 20 percent of the global population and covering nearly 60 percent of the Eurasian landmass. With member states that include four nuclear powers, and major global economies, the SCO’s demographic weight and geographic scale give it unmatched relevance in matters pertaining to regional security cooperation and beyond.

Over the years, the organization has grown into a dynamic platform that supports joint efforts to counter terrorism, organized crime, and narcotics. The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure, or RATS, plays a central role in this architecture. It has significantly enhanced coordination among member states and strengthened joint operational capabilities against terrorism, extremism, and separatism.

The recent decision to establish new SCO centers focusing on counter-narcotics, information security, and transnational organized crime further reinforces the collective preparedness of SCO Member States. These initiatives mark a timely step toward making our regional response more agile, responsive, and coordinated.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Since joining the SCO in 2017, Pakistan has actively participated in SCO and RATS activities. We have contributed to political, legal, and technical cooperation, capacity building, and shared intelligence. We have hosted joint border operations and counter-terrorism exercises and look forward to doing so again this year.

Pakistan brings to this forum hard-earned experience. As a frontline state in the fight against terrorism, we have sacrificed more than ninety thousand lives since 2001. We have played a pivotal role in dismantling terrorist networks, including Al-Qaeda and eliminating over 10,000 terrorists from various groups. A sustained campaign continues against TTP, BLA, and ISKP, with notable success in disrupting ISKP’s regional presence following the attempted relocation in 2023. In 2024-25 alone, 84 intelligence-based operations led to the arrests of high-value targets and disrupted major terror cells, with intelligence shared internationally to prevent further attacks. These achievements have reinforced our credentials as a key player in regional and international counter-terrorism efforts.

We have also shared our best practices with RATS. Among these is our “Paigham-e-Pakistan” initiative, a national consensus-based response to extremism. This effort, backed by a unanimous religious decree, rejects violence and promotes tolerance, peace, and the rule of law. Additionally, the “Sabaoon” rehabilitation centre offers a pioneering model for the reintegration of radicalized youth through vocational and psychological support.

Ladies and gentlemen,

RATS has become an important bridge between security agencies across our region. We value RATS not only for its technical effectiveness, but also for its professionalism. Despite attempts to politicize its work through baseless allegations and false narratives, RATS has remained focused and credible. It is essential that we resist any effort to misuse the label of terrorism for political gain or to deny the legitimate rights of occupied peoples. The fight against terrorism must be rooted in justice and mutual respect.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Security, as we all know, is not merely the absence of conflict. It includes economic development, cultural harmony, and open political dialogue. The SCO’s broad vision reflects this understanding. Through improved infrastructure, stronger trade ties, and deeper social exchanges, the organization continues to contribute to sustainable peace and prosperity.

Yet, many challenges remain. The rise in cyber threats, the persistence of instability in several regions, and increasing global uncertainty demand innovative responses and strong unity. In these circumstances, the role of the SCO is more vital than ever. By preserving our consensus-based approach, and by reinforcing multilateralism, we can ensure that the SCO remains a stabilizing force in this region.

Let us reaffirm our commitment to the ideals of the SCO. Let us work together, openly, constructively, and with mutual respect, to build a future that is peaceful, secure, and inclusive for all.

I wish this year’s World Peace Forum a great success.

Thank you. Xie Xie