Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh has called for greater focus on peace, economic cooperation, dialogue and development, saying that Pakistan should learn from the “Shanghai Spirit” of cooperation and peaceful resolution of disputes to improve the quality of life of its people and strengthen its role in the region.
The Federal Minister was speaking as Chief Guest at a joint seminar titled “SCO at 25: The Shanghai Spirit and A New Journey with Islamabad,” organised by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), Islamabad, and China Media Group (CMG) in Islamabad.
The seminar brought together diplomats, policymakers, academics, media representatives and experts to reflect on the 25-year journey of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), its evolving role in regional affairs, and Pakistan’s responsibilities as it assumes the SCO chairmanship.
The session was opened by Nabila Jaffer, Senior Research Analyst and Head of China Program, IRS, who welcomed the distinguished participants and expressed particular appreciation to Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh for taking time to participate in the discussion on an important regional subject.
In his welcome remarks, President Institute of Regional Studies Ambassador Jauhar Saleem highlighted the evolution of the SCO and elaborated on the concept of the “Shanghai Spirit,” emphasising mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation and peaceful resolution of differences. He also noted the significance of Pakistan assuming the SCO chairmanship following Kyrgyzstan and the importance of the ongoing SCO process in Bishkek.
Delivering the keynote address, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, Chairman Pakistan-China Institute, described the current SCO summit as taking place at a time of major global transformation, with new realities emerging in international relations. He highlighted the growing importance of Asia, the rise of China and the strategic potential of Gwadar’s connectivity with Central Asian countries.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed observed that Pakistan’s role as chairman of the SCO could further strengthen the country’s regional and global relations and provide an opportunity to advance connectivity, economic cooperation and regional integration.
Guest of Honour Ms. Zhuang Xinyan, Minister Counselor, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, in her special remarks highlighted the enduring Pakistan-China friendship and the importance of strengthening regional cooperation. She also underscored the significance of the 25th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and its growing relevance in promoting peace, stability and shared development.
Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh thanked the organisers for providing him the opportunity to speak on what he termed a highly important and dear subject. He described the SCO as an important organisation with enormous potential for regional cooperation.
Reflecting on China’s remarkable economic transformation, the Federal Minister said Pakistan needed to carefully study China’s experience and identify lessons applicable to its own development journey.
“Only country in my knowledge made double-digit growth for 30 consecutive years. How they did it, we have to study that,” the Minister said, referring to China’s unprecedented economic progress.
He particularly highlighted China’s achievement in lifting around 800 million people out of poverty, describing it as an unprecedented accomplishment in human history. He said that Pakistan should examine what China did to achieve such transformation and determine what lessons could be adopted to improve its own economy and the lives of its people.
The Federal Minister noted that China’s rise and the broader shift of economic and political influence from West to East were among the defining developments of the contemporary international system. He emphasised that Pakistan’s strong and longstanding relationship with China provided an important foundation for greater economic and regional cooperation.
Referring to China’s approach towards international relations, the Minister said that despite historical differences and disputes, China had demonstrated the importance of avoiding unnecessary conflict and prioritising economic engagement and development.
He stressed that the Shanghai Spirit should be understood not merely as a diplomatic concept but as an approach based on dialogue, cooperation and peaceful resolution of differences.
The Minister said that Pakistan and India should also explore avenues for resolving outstanding issues through dialogue and mutual understanding. Referring to the Indus Waters issue, he emphasised the need for both countries to sit together and seek solutions rather than allowing disputes to perpetuate.
“Why not try to resolve our own matters, improve the quality of life? This is the spirit we should focus on and learn from China,” the Minister said.
He observed that greater resources needed to be directed towards human development and education, noting the importance of striking a better balance between defence requirements and investment in education and other sectors that directly contribute to national development.
The Minister also highlighted the significance of the ongoing SCO proceedings in Bishkek, where Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is participating, and said that Pakistan’s engagement with the organisation provided an important platform to advance its regional interests.
Discussing contemporary global challenges, he noted that the ongoing international crises and the resulting energy and economic pressures were affecting countries across the world. He appreciated China’s continued support for Pakistan and stressed the importance of cooperation and dialogue in addressing shared challenges.
The Federal Minister further said that China’s experience should be studied in Pakistan’s educational institutions, particularly to understand how the country transformed its economy, reduced poverty, promoted development and maintained a focus on economic progress.
He pointed out the enormous demographic and economic significance of China, noting that the country accounts for a substantial share of global population and economic output. He stressed that Pakistan should learn from successful international experiences while developing solutions suited to its own circumstances.
The Minister also referred to his recent visit to the United Kingdom, saying that he observed appreciation there for Pakistan’s leadership and diplomatic engagement. He linked this to the broader importance of Pakistan presenting itself as a country committed to peace, stability, economic development and constructive international relations.
Later, Ambassador Naela Chohan, Pakistan’s former Ambassador, and Dr. Shafqat Munir Ahmad, Deputy Executive Director (Policy), Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), also shared their perspectives on regional cooperation, the SCO and Pakistan’s evolving role.
The seminar featured an interactive discussion on the future trajectory of the SCO, Pakistan’s chairmanship and the relevance of the Shanghai Spirit to contemporary regional and global challenges.
The session concluded with a shared emphasis on learning from the Shanghai Spirit of mutual respect, dialogue, cooperation and peaceful resolution of differences, while strengthening Pakistan’s commitment to regional connectivity, economic development and improved quality of life for its people.
