Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has termed the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as the “most viable and enduring pathway to lasting peace in the region”.

Addressing the SCO summit in Bishkek, the premier said, “We remain committed to resolving disputes peacefully through international law, adhering strictly to the guidelines of the UN and SCO charter.

“It is in this spirit that Pakistan stanchly advocated peace when the sovereignty and territorial integrity of an SCO member state was violated this year, triggering a major regional crisis.”

Noting the conflict’s impact on the global economy, the PM said Pakistan has “borne a heavy economic cost “

“In these challenging times, Pakistan has consistently acted as an honest and sincere mediator and facilitator,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s efforts culminated in the Islamabad MoU, which he said was a “critical step towards regional de-escalation and restoration of peace”.