PM Shehbaz Sharif seeks world pressure Kabul on ‘new terror threat’

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday urged the international community to pressure the Afghan Taliban-led regime in Kabul to fulfil its responsibilities, international obligations and commitments and stressed the emergence of a new terrorism threat from Afghanistan.

Speaking at a forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust 2025, the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th Anniversary of Permanent Neutrality in Turkmenistan, PM Shehbaz said that the peaceful resolution of conflicts remained the central pillar of Islamabad’s foreign policy.

His remarks come amid growing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan due to ongoing terror attacks in Pakistan, which Islamabad says are being carried out by Afghan nationals. The situation escalated in October when the armed forces of the two countries engaged in week-long border clashes.

The clashes began after the Taliban forces, backed by affiliated militants, launched an unprovoked attack on Pakistani border posts on October 12. A ceasefire has been in place since then, but no agreement has been reached to prevent cross-border attacks.

Focus on Socio-Economic Development

PM Shehbaz also reiterated Pakistan’s support for the Gaza peace plan and its endorsement by the UN Security Council. He expressed hope that ongoing peace efforts in the Middle East will “ultimately protect and save the lives of innocent Palestinians by ensuring a permanent and lasting ceasefire, allow the flow of critical humanitarian aid and help in reconstruction of Gaza.”

He stressed that Islamabad will continue to support all efforts aimed at upholding the inalienable right to self-determination of Palestinian people and the “brave and resilient Kashmiri people in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).” The PM said that the pursuit of lasting peace is closely linked to sustainable development.

He added that the socio-economic development and welfare of the people is his government’s top priority. “We have made significant strides in several key areas including by advancing financial inclusion and bringing the women and the marginalised into the economic mainstream.”

Climate Change as a Global Threat

On climate issues, the premier said Islamabad is committed to “undertake cleaner and greener solutions in the face of global warming” and has set a global example in ecosystem restoration. He noted, however, that like other developing countries, Pakistan’s pursuit of sustainable development faces challenges from climate-induced disasters and global economic inequalities.

Calling climate change, poverty, and inequality “transnational threats,” PM Shehbaz said they require international solutions based on shared responsibility. He emphasized that “access to advanced technologies especially digital technologies must also be equitable and without any kind of discrimination.” He also called for investments in connectivity projects that act as “bridges for peoples, ideas and prosperity” and urged the international community to work together toward “a future defined by peace, mutual trust and shared prosperity.”

PM Shehbaz’s Two-Day Visit to Turkmenistan

Earlier on Friday, PM Shehbaz joined leaders from various countries at the Neutrality Monument to lay a wreath in commemoration of the International Day of Neutrality and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. He arrived in Ashgabat on Thursday for a two-day official visit.

During his visit, he met Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and highlighted Islamabad’s desire to use new routes to deepen connectivity and boost economic and energy cooperation.

He called the ties between Pakistan and Turkmenistan “historic and fraternal” and expressed his determination to expand bilateral relations, particularly in trade, transport, and energy.

PM Shehbaz, accompanied by Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Power Sardar Awais Leghari, and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, is scheduled to attend several major international events in Ashgabat, which bring together global leaders, diplomats, and policymakers.

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