Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on the international community to mount firm pressure on the Afghan Taliban-led regime to honour its commitments and curb the growing terrorism threat emerging from Afghan soil.
Speaking at an international forum in Turkmenistan, the premier warned that Pakistan can no longer ignore the security risks spilling across the border.
Addressing the gathering marking the International Year of Peace and Trust 2025, the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th Anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality, PM Shehbaz said peaceful conflict resolution remains the backbone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He stressed that continued terror attacks inside Pakistan — which Islamabad links to Afghan nationals — have become a serious concern.
Tensions between the two neighbours escalated sharply in October when their forces exchanged fire along the border for an entire week. The clashes began after Taliban forces and affiliated militants allegedly launched an unprovoked attack on Pakistani border posts on October 12. Although a ceasefire is in place, both sides have yet to reach an agreement to stop cross-border attacks, a key issue affecting regional stability.
Supporting peace in Gaza and Kashmir
Turning to global crises, the prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s support for the Gaza peace plan and welcomed its endorsement by the UN Security Council. He expressed hope that ongoing diplomatic efforts will help secure a lasting ceasefire, protect innocent Palestinian lives, and facilitate reconstruction in the war-torn enclave.
Read More: Pakistan welcomes Afghan scholars’ resolution against cross-border attacks
PM Shehbaz also reaffirmed Pakistan’s consistent backing for the right to self-determination of Palestinians and the resilient people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He said sustainable peace and socio-economic progress go hand in hand, and no nation can truly develop without ensuring justice and stability.
Socio-economic welfare
The prime minister highlighted his government’s focus on the socio-economic development of Pakistan, emphasizing efforts to expand financial inclusion and bring women and marginalized communities into the economic mainstream.
He noted that Pakistan’s environmental initiatives have set a “global example” in ecosystem restoration, but warned that climate-induced disasters and global economic inequalities continue to hinder progress. Calling climate change, poverty, and inequality “transnational threats,” he urged world powers to adopt collective solutions and ensure equal access to advanced digital technologies.
One of the core themes of his speech was connectivity for prosperity — a four-word keyphrase he highlighted as essential for global growth. According to PM Shehbaz, connectivity for prosperity is no longer limited to the movement of goods; it must also foster the exchange of ideas, opportunities, and people-to-people linkages.
High-level diplomacy in Ashgabat
Earlier, PM Shehbaz joined world leaders — including President Vladimir Putin, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian — at Ashgabat’s iconic Neutrality Monument to commemorate the International Day of Neutrality.
On Thursday, he held a meeting with Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedow and reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to boost regional trade, transport, and energy cooperation. The two leaders discussed leveraging regional routes to deepen connectivity and economic integration.
During his two-day visit, the prime minister is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Power Minister Sardar Awais Leghari, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. He is scheduled to participate in several high-level events bringing together global leaders, diplomats, and policymakers.
