ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged the international community to press Afghanistan’s interim authorities to meet their global commitments and curb terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil. His remarks came during an international forum in Ashgabat, held to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality and attended by global leaders, including those from Russia and Turkiye.
Addressing the forum, the prime minister highlighted the ongoing threat of terrorism, stressing that regional peace remains fragile without decisive action against militant outfits. He called for collective pressure on Kabul to fulfil its international obligations and reaffirmed Pakistan’s concerns over cross-border terrorist activities.
PM Shehbaz acknowledged the diplomatic role played by Qatar, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates in supporting recent efforts to stabilise relations between Islamabad and Kabul. He noted that the current ceasefire with Afghanistan, though holding, remains delicate and requires sustained dialogue and cooperation.
Underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful dispute resolution, the premier referenced the UN Security Council’s adoption of Resolution 2788, which Pakistan sponsored earlier this year. The resolution strengthens international mechanisms for resolving global disputes through peaceful means and reflects Islamabad’s long-standing stance on dialogue-driven diplomacy.
Turning to global flashpoints, PM Shehbaz expressed hope for progress in efforts to secure a permanent and humane ceasefire in Gaza, ensuring uninterrupted humanitarian assistance for Palestinians. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s consistent support for the Palestinian people and also highlighted the struggles faced by the people of Kashmir.
The prime minister emphasised that sustainable peace is deeply connected to sustainable development. He reiterated Pakistan’s efforts to expand financial inclusion, empower women, and integrate marginalised groups into the economic mainstream. He also pointed to Pakistan’s climate initiatives, including ecosystem restoration and greener development pathways, while noting that climate-induced disasters and unfair global economic structures remain major hurdles.
On the sidelines of the forum, PM Shehbaz held productive meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, discussing enhanced cooperation in energy, defence, investment and regional connectivity. The two leaders reaffirmed the significance of their nations’ historical ties and agreed to accelerate the implementation of recent agreements, including those linked to energy and mineral development.
The prime minister also engaged informally with several regional leaders, including Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and the presidents of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with counterparts from Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Turkiye, Oman, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, with discussions centred on trade expansion, connectivity and regional stability.
PM Shehbaz concluded his address by urging the world to shift from zero-sum mindsets to meaningful cooperation. He called for strengthening global connectivity not only through trade but also through shared ideas and mutual prosperity, expressing hope that peace, trust and unity would guide the future of international relations.
