A three membered delegation of the National Security Division led by Engr. AamirHasan, Secretary, National Security Division attended the 18th meeting of the Secretaries of the Security Council of the SCO Countries on 29th March, 2023. The SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) is an important forum comprising Central Asian Countries, Russia, China, India and Pakistan. The Pakistan side attended the meeting, which was an obligatory meeting, on the Virtual format, in line with the Prime Minister’s directions on austerity.
In his country statement, Engr. AamirHasan, Secretary, National Security Division (NSD) who is also the Secretary of the National Security Committee (NSC), stated that Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Pakistan also condemns religiously and racially motivated fascist (extremist) groups including presence and influence of such groups in the cyber space, social media and information and communication technologies. Pakistan has been a victim of terrorism. Pakistan’s successes and sacrifices in countering terrorism, both in terms of human and economic capital, are unparalleled and widely acknowledged by the international community. Our valiant people, armed forces, and law enforcement personnel have made tremendous sacrifices in Pakistan’s determined fight to eliminate this scourge.
Pakistan strongly believes that terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any race, religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group and the rising scourge of racially and religiously motivated fascist groups needs to be tackled with strong resolve”.
Engr. AamirHasan said that Pakistan remains strongly committed to a peaceful, stable, sovereign, prosperous and connected Afghanistan. What happens in Afghanistan is important for the immediate neighbors and the region. We strongly advocate provision of increased assistance to the Afghan people and measures to help build a sustainable Afghan economy.
Pakistan has extended humanitarian relief assistance and continues to open up avenues for more trade, transit trade, cross-border facilitation, and connectivity. In our view, the international community must also maintain constructive engagement and practical cooperation with Afghanistan.
The Afghan authorities, for their part, should take steps to address the international community’s expectations about inclusivity; respect for the rights of all Afghans, including girls’ education; and effective counter-terrorism actions.
