The United States has affirmed its respect for every nation’s sovereign right to form alliances and associations of its choosing, as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit takes place in Islamabad. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the importance of upholding international law and respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of all nations participating in multilateral forums.
Pakistan is hosting the two-day meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the SCO, which concludes today. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is presiding over the high-level gathering, with stringent arrangements in place to ensure its smooth execution. Attendees include prime ministers and high-ranking officials from SCO member states such as Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran’s First Vice President.
In response to a question about Pakistan’s call for the UN Security Council to investigate the theft and illicit sale of nuclear materials in India, Miller stated, “We are aware of Pakistan’s request to the UN Security Council.” He reiterated the US commitment to addressing proliferation threats and working with international partners to enhance global security.
Pakistan’s appeal to the UN Security Council on October 11 followed reports from Indian media about the arrest of three smugglers in Bihar’s Gopalganj district, who were found with a rare and highly radioactive Californium stone. Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, Ambassador Munir Akram, urged the Security Council to take serious note of these recurring incidents in India, highlighting the potential risks associated with the illicit trade of nuclear and radioactive materials.
