The minister said Pakistan had given unmatched sacrifices in war against terrorism to make secure the whole world, adding that international community had acknowledged the sacrifices rendered by the Pakistan. He said during the conference he would stress that Pakistan should be given permanent membership of the SCO in view of the forum's importance in economic co-operation and maintaining regional security.
The Minister said Pakistan would also like to benefit from the expertise of the SCO member countries in taking measures against terrorism and extremism. Kaira said Pakistan, being an observer, had been an active participant in the activities of the organisation which is quite evident from being the first to apply for the full membership of SCO.
He said Pakistan had supported all initiatives of SCO at all international fora as it believed that the forum could play an important role to eliminate terrorism and poverty from the region.
He said China, Kazakhastan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikestan and Uzbekistan were regular members while Pakistan and India had observer status. Kaira said initially it was planned that Prime Minister would attend the conference but due to his important engagements he was assigned the task to represent Pakistan at this important forum.
It would be the 11th Heads of Government Council Meeting. SCO is an inter-governmental organisation which has now evolved into a multi-faceted organisation working for regional economic co-operation against terrorism, separatism, drug trafficking and organised crime. The Minister hoped that Pakistan's presence in the SCO Heads of Government Council Meeting would contribute and strengthen the SCO's endeavours for the promotion of peace, security and overall harmony in the region.