ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar stressed the need for greater cooperation among member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to combat problems such as terrorism and extremism in the region.

According to a statement available with Arab News, Nisar while addressing the opening ceremony of the Conference of the Presidents of the Supreme Courts of the SCO’s member states in Beijing, on Friday said: “We are all gathered here to find ways to ensure greater cooperation between member states to combat problems such as terrorism and extremism and the ilk which threaten the security of the member states.”

He added: “Many modern crimes such as terrorism do not respect territorial borders. In order to combat these menaces we need to forge strong bonds at all levels with other member states so that we leave no space for the offenders.”

“The judiciary of the member states needs to play its part in building a strong framework in which these threats to our security can be combated.”

Pakistan has recently joined the SCO and authorities in Islamabad say the country is keen to play a productive role as a member.

This week Pakistan hosted the first ever Legal Experts Group Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization-Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO-RATS) in Islamabad since becoming a member in June 2017.

Legal experts from eight member states — China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, India, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Pakistan -=- as well as representatives of the SCO-RATS executive committee, participated in the meeting.

“Member states discussed various proposals for enhancing regional cooperation in countering terrorism and extremism. The legal experts also discussed administrative and organizational matters,” Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement on late Friday.

“The hosting of the meeting in Islamabad demonstrates Pakistan’s commitment as a full member of the SCO to the idea and working of the organization,” the statement added.