Shehbaz Sharif urges international action on the Gaza crisis and emphasizes multilateral cooperation at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit

At the 24th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), held in Astana, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivered a passionate address condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza and advocating for global accountability. Sharif, known for his firm stance on international justice and peace, used the platform to highlight Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism and its stance on critical global issues.

Addressing the assembled leaders from SCO member states including China, Russia, and others, Sharif emphasized the urgent need for collective action against what he described as “Israeli barbarism” in Palestine. He stressed the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, where he accused Israel of committing war crimes and genocide against Palestinians. Sharif’s speech resonated with the audience, drawing attention to the plight of over 37,000 Palestinians killed and millions displaced, predominantly women and children.

The Prime Minister underscored Pakistan’s historical ties with the SCO, having joined formally in 2017, and congratulated Belarus on its recent accession to the organization. He expressed confidence in Chinese President Xi Jinping’s leadership as the current SCO chairman, foreseeing continued growth and prosperity under his guidance. Sharif’s address also touched upon broader issues such as terrorism, poverty alleviation, climate change, and regional connectivity, aligning Pakistan’s objectives with the SCO’s goals of promoting peace and stability.

Analysis:

Political Perspective: Politically, Shehbaz Sharif’s speech reflects Pakistan’s diplomatic strategy within the SCO. By emphasizing the Palestinian issue and calling for international accountability on Israel, Sharif aims to bolster Pakistan’s image as a champion of justice and human rights on the global stage. This stance also aligns Pakistan closely with other SCO member states that share similar concerns about humanitarian crises and international law violations.

Social Perspective: Socially, Sharif’s address resonates with global debates on human rights and justice. His condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza reflects a broader societal concern over the treatment of civilian populations in conflict zones. The speech could potentially galvanize support among international communities and humanitarian organizations advocating for Palestinian rights, influencing public opinion globally.

Racial Perspective: From a racial perspective, Sharif’s emphasis on the disproportionate impact of Israeli actions on Palestinians, particularly women and children, highlights issues of racial discrimination and ethnic violence in conflict zones. The framing of Israel’s actions as war crimes and genocide invokes discussions about racial justice and the responsibility of the international community to protect vulnerable populations.

Gender Perspective: Gender dynamics are implicit in Sharif’s portrayal of the victims in Gaza, where he highlighted the suffering of women and children. The disproportionate impact on women and children in conflict zones underscores broader gender inequalities exacerbated during humanitarian crises. This perspective underscores the need for gender-sensitive approaches in conflict resolution and humanitarian aid efforts.

Economic Perspective: Economically, Sharif’s advocacy for peace and stability in conflict zones like Gaza aligns with efforts to promote regional economic cooperation and development within the SCO framework. By addressing issues like poverty alleviation and regional connectivity, he underscores the economic benefits of peace and stability, which are essential for sustainable development and prosperity in the region.