What Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Said on Terror After PM Modi's Powerful Speech at SCO

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, on September 1, 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful speech condemning terrorism, particularly highlighting the recent Pahalgam terror attack and criticizing countries that openly support it. With Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in attendance, Modi’s remarks set the stage for a tense moment. Sharif’s response to terrorism during the summit drew attention for its perceived hollowness, as it followed Modi’s call for a united global stance against double standards on terror. Here’s a look at what Sharif said, the context of his remarks, and the broader implications.

Modi’s Strong Anti-Terror Message

In his address, Modi emphasized that terrorism is a global threat that no country can ignore. He referenced the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack, where 26 people—25 Indians and one Nepalese citizen—were killed, describing it as “an open challenge to every country that believes in humanity.” Without directly naming Pakistan, Modi questioned whether the “open support of terrorism by some countries” could be tolerated, urging SCO members to reject double standards and unite against terrorism, separatism, and extremism. The SCO’s joint declaration condemned the Pahalgam attack, calling for justice against its perpetrators and sponsors, a move seen as a diplomatic setback for Pakistan given its alleged links to the attack.

Shehbaz Sharif’s Response on Terrorism

Speaking after Modi, Sharif addressed terrorism in his speech, but his remarks were widely criticized as lacking substance. He claimed Pakistan has been a victim of terrorism, stating that the country had “lost over 90,000 lives” and suffered economic losses exceeding $152 billion in its fight against extremism. Sharif alleged that “foreign elements” were behind attacks in regions like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, referencing the Jaffar Express train hostage incident. He asserted that Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and suggested that some entities use terror for political gain, without acknowledging any domestic role in fostering militancy.

Sharif’s comments came across as defensive, especially given the context. Earlier in 2025, following the Pahalgam attack, Sharif had offered Pakistan’s participation in a “neutral, transparent, and credible investigation” into the incident, a move seen as an attempt to deflect blame. This followed India’s diplomatic efforts to highlight Pakistan’s links to the attack through “technical intelligence” and “credible inputs.” His summit remarks echoed this pattern of denial, avoiding accountability while projecting Pakistan as a victim.

The Context: Pakistan’s Diplomatic Isolation

Sharif’s speech was overshadowed by the SCO’s condemnation of the Pahalgam attack and the support India garnered, notably from China. Chinese President Xi Jinping, in a bilateral meeting with Modi, agreed that both nations are victims of terrorism and should collaborate against cross-border threats. This was a significant blow to Pakistan, given its close ties with China and reliance on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The SCO declaration, coupled with Xi’s stance, highlighted Pakistan’s growing isolation on the issue, especially as traditional allies like Turkey faced criticism for supporting Pakistan during India’s Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory strike targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack.

Sharif also faced personal embarrassment at the summit. Videos showed him awkwardly reaching out to shake hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who appeared to overlook him, underscoring Pakistan’s diminishing influence. Social media and reports mocked these moments, amplifying Sharif’s diplomatic challenges.

Analysis: Hollow Words Amid Global Scrutiny

Sharif’s remarks on terrorism were seen as an attempt to counter Modi’s narrative but lacked credibility due to Pakistan’s history of alleged support for terror groups. Modi’s speech, backed by the SCO’s condemnation, put pressure on Pakistan to address its role in cross-border terrorism, particularly in light of India’s evidence linking the Pahalgam attack to Pakistan-based groups. Sharif’s claim of victimhood and vague references to “foreign elements” failed to address these accusations directly, reinforcing perceptions of Pakistan’s selective approach to terrorism.

Moreover, Sharif’s earlier comments on the Pahalgam attack, made during a speech at the Pakistan Military Academy on April 27, 2025, had already drawn skepticism. His offer for a joint probe was viewed as a tactic to deflect international pressure, consistent with Pakistan’s responses to past attacks like Mumbai (2008), Pathankot (2016), and Uri (2016).

Broader Implications

The SCO Summit highlighted a shifting global stance on terrorism, with India’s assertive diplomacy gaining traction. Modi’s ability to secure support from leaders like Xi Jinping signaled a broader consensus against state-sponsored terrorism, putting Pakistan on the defensive. Sharif’s remarks, while attempting to project Pakistan as a victim, did little to counter the narrative of its complicity, especially as the SCO declaration explicitly condemned the Pahalgam attack.

For Pakistan, the summit underscored the need to address internal challenges, including its economic struggles and domestic unrest, which Sharif’s six-day China visit did little to alleviate. Meanwhile, India’s focus on security, connectivity, and opportunity within the SCO framework strengthened its regional standing, contrasting with Pakistan’s diplomatic setbacks.

Conclusion

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s response to terrorism at the SCO Summit, following PM Modi’s powerful speech, was marked by deflection and claims of victimhood. His assertion that Pakistan condemns terrorism and has suffered significant losses rang hollow against the backdrop of India’s evidence and the SCO’s condemnation of the Pahalgam attack. As global leaders, including China, rallied behind a unified anti-terror stance, Sharif’s remarks failed to shift the narrative, leaving Pakistan increasingly isolated. The summit served as a reminder that empty rhetoric cannot mask accountability in the face of mounting evidence and international consensus. For those seeking to understand the dynamics of South Asian geopolitics, this exchange underscores the ongoing challenge of addressing terrorism head-on.

Sources: The Times of India, Indian Express, Moneycontrol, Prokerala, Republic World, September 1-2, 2025.