PM Shehbaz Arrives in China for SCO Summit

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif landed in Tianjin on Saturday to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State Summit, along with key bilateral and economic meetings. The summit, running from August 31 to September 1, will see participation from leaders of China, India, Russia, Iran, and other member states, alongside international observers and United Nations representatives.

Welcomed at Tianjin Airport by senior Chinese officials, including Communist Party of China (CPC) and Tianjin leaders, Shehbaz Sharif emphasized Pakistan’s focus on strengthening economic and diplomatic ties. He will hold bilateral meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, with discussions expected on CPEC Phase-II, industrial cooperation, and Pakistan’s regional role.

The Prime Minister will also chair the second Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference in Beijing on September 4, engaging with leading Chinese businesses to explore investment opportunities. Accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Planning MinisterAhsan Iqbal Chaudharyy, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Shehbaz Sharif will present Pakistan’s stance on multilateralism, regional stability, and economic growth.

The summit also features leaders from Turkey, Iran, India, and Russia, marking it as one of the bloc’s largest gatherings. Analysts say this meeting could further enhance Pakistan’s economic and diplomatic standing in the Global South.