Nations Stand Together Against Violence Following SCO Summit

China-Pakistan-(Special Correspondent / Web Desk) –  World leaders gathered at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, where they strongly condemned recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan and India. The statement came at a time when both countries continue to blame each other for cross-border violence.

One of the deadliest incidents took place on March 11, when armed militants from the Balochistan Liberation Army ambushed the Jaffar Express train, carrying 440 passengers. The attackers opened fire, held people hostage, and forced a two-day military operation that ended on March 12.

On May 21, a school bus near Khuzdar was targeted by a roadside bomb. The blast killed six people, including three children, and left more than 40 others injured. The bus was on its way to the Army Public School in Khuzdar Cantonment.

In India, on April 22, gunmen launched a deadly assault in Pahalgam, Kashmir, a well-known tourist destination. At least 26 civilians, mostly visitors from across India, lost their lives and 17 others were injured. It was the region’s worst civilian attack since 2000.

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Both nations accused each other of supporting such attacks, and earlier attempts by SCO defence ministers to issue a joint statement collapsed due to disagreements over wording.

The Tianjin Declaration, adopted at the summit, condemned all three incidents, offering condolences to the victims’ families and demanding justice for the perpetrators. Leaders reaffirmed their stance against terrorism, separatism, and extremism, stressing that such violence should never be used for political gain.

The SCO also signed agreements to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation, curb drug trafficking, and tackle arms smuggling. A 10-year development strategy until 2035 was adopted, aiming for deeper cooperation in security, economy, and cultural exchange across the region.

The summit addressed global security challenges as well. Leaders voiced concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian issue. They also condemned recent military strikes by Israel and the United States against Iran, warning of dangerous consequences for global peace and nuclear safety.

On Afghanistan, the SCO reaffirmed its support for an inclusive government that represents all communities, stressing the need for stability, peace, and freedom from terrorism and narcotics.

The SCO, now comprising 10 member states including China, Russia, Pakistan, India, and Iran, represents 42% of the world’s population and about one-fourth of global GDP. At Tianjin, the group also created a new status called “SCO Partner”, welcoming Laos as its newest partner.