Pakistan Invites India to attend SCO Meeting

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office has verified that invitations have been sent to all leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states, including the Prime Minister of India, for the upcoming meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government.

During her weekly press briefing in Islamabad today, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch mentioned that some confirmations have already been received. She noted that this meeting is scheduled to be held in Islamabad from October 15th to 16th.Discovery of hydrocarbons in Tal Block at Razgir-1 Exploratory Well (Lockhart Formation)

In response to a question, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated that Pakistan does not have commercial relations with India.

She emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed region. She highlighted that United Nations Security Council resolutions explicitly state that the final resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute should be determined in accordance with the wishes of the people through a UN-supervised plebiscite.

In this context, she added that no other process can replace the right of self-determination for the Kashmiri people.

When asked about potential talks with the TTP, the spokesperson stated that Pakistan has no intentions of engaging in discussions with the TTP. She pointed out that the presence of terrorist groups, including the TTP, in Afghanistan is confirmed by various international reports, including those from the United Nations.

She expressed the expectation that Afghan authorities will take decisive action against these terrorist groups and prevent their activities that threaten Pakistan’s security.

Regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the spokesperson described it as a transformative initiative that has positively and transparently contributed to Pakistan’s national development. She mentioned that the corridor project is supported and well-received across all provinces and political factions in Pakistan.

She clarified that the total public debt related to CPEC projects constitutes a minor fraction of Pakistan’s overall debt. Additionally, she noted that the debt incurred from China has longer repayment periods and lower interest rates.

The spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring complete security for all Chinese nationals, projects, and institutions within the country.