Khan Kandi, Iran | July 4, 2025– At the 17th ECO Summit in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for urgent and enhanced regional cooperation to address mounting geopolitical challenges. Referring to the Iran-Israel conflict and India’s aggression toward Pakistan, he warned that instability driven by global power agendas threatens regional peace and prosperity. He emphasized that the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) represents Pakistan’s “best hope” for a collective and unified response to these pressing issues.
PM Shehbaz stated, “The evolving global landscape has made regional cooperation even more essential. ECO is our best platform, and Pakistan is proud to be part of these collective efforts.”
He strongly condemned Israel’s recent strike on Iran, which claimed over 627 lives, calling it “unlawful, unjustified, and reckless.” In the same vein, he criticized India’s missile attacks on Pakistani cities following baseless allegations related to an incident in occupied Kashmir. He highlighted Pakistan’s firm military response, backed by the armed forces under Field Marshal Asim Munir, which included downing five Indian jets.
India’s Water Weaponization and the Indus Treaty Crisis
The prime minister also shed light on India’s weaponization of water, calling it a dangerous new trend. He condemned New Delhi’s attempt to undermine the Indus Water Treaty and reject the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s ruling. PM Shehbaz warned that such actions threaten the livelihood of over 240 million Pakistanis, and would be considered an “act of aggression.”
Furthermore, he expressed deep concern over the Gaza crisis, where over 57,000 Palestinians have died due to Israeli strikes. He stated, “Pakistan stands firmly against those who perpetrate barbaric acts against innocent civilians — whether in Gaza, Kashmir, or Iran.”
Deepening Bilateral Relations for Stronger Regional Cooperation
On the sidelines of the summit, PM Shehbaz held key bilateral meetings with leaders including Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
In his meeting with President Aliyev, PM Shehbaz thanked Azerbaijan for its diplomatic support during Indo-Pak tensions. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding trade, investment, and private sector ties, especially Azerbaijan’s investments in Pakistan. PM Shehbaz also reiterated his invitation for President Aliyev to visit Pakistan.
With President Pezeshkian, the premier praised Iran’s decision to agree to a ceasefire during the recent conflict. Both leaders reviewed progress on past commitments and pledged closer regional cooperation.
In his discussion with President Erdoğan, PM Shehbaz emphasized strengthening ties in defense, trade, connectivity, and energy, and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to working with Turkey for peace and sustainable development in the region.
Through these engagements and his strong remarks at the summit, PM Shehbaz underscored that regional cooperation is not just a goal, but a necessity in today’s fragmented world. Pakistan, he reaffirmed, will remain at the forefront of efforts to foster dialogue, development, and diplomacy across the ECO region.
