Pakistan ready for talks with Afghanistan on legitimate conditions: PM Shehbaz


Sharif reiterates that Islamabad agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire at the request of Afghanistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Photo: Archive

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said Pakistan is willing to hold talks with Afghanistan, but only on “legitimate and mutually respectful conditions.”

At a federal cabinet meeting on Thursday, the prime minister said Pakistan had made repeated efforts to convince Afghan authorities that the millions of Afghans living across the border were “our brothers and sisters” and that both countries shared deep historical, cultural and religious ties.

“Pakistan and Afghanistan share a long common border. Despite our limited resources, we have welcomed Afghan refugees for decades, maintaining the bond of brotherhood,” Prime Minister Shehbaz said.

He noted that around four million Afghan citizens have lived in Pakistan for decades, reflecting the country’s generosity and humanitarian commitment. However, he expressed deep concern over continued cross-border militant attacks.

“Afghan terrorists have been attacking our police, soldiers and innocent civilians. A few days ago, our armed forces were attacked by the Khawarij (terrorists). Our patience has run out,” he said.

Read more: Any transgression by Afghanistan will result in swift response from Pakistan: Khawaja Asif

Prime Minister Shehbaz revealed that Pakistan’s deputy prime minister, defense minister and senior officials had made several visits to Kabul to promote peace and cooperation.

“We told the Afghan authorities that we want a region of peace and prosperity, but unfortunately, despite all efforts, Afghanistan preferred aggression over peace,” he said.

He further alleged that the recent attack on Pakistani forces took place “at the behest of India”, adding that at the time of the attack, “the Afghan foreign minister was in New Delhi”.

“We were forced to respond decisively. Under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, our gallant armed forces exercised their right of self-defence and gave a befitting response to the attackers,” the Prime Minister said.

Also read: Pakistan accepts Afghan Taliban regime’s request for a 48-hour ceasefire

Shehbaz announced that Pakistan had agreed to a 48-hour temporary ceasefire at the request of Afghanistan, facilitated by Qatari mediation.

“We are ready to engage in dialogue with Afghanistan on legitimate conditions. We told our brotherly neighbor that we seek peace through mutual consultations and cooperation,” he said.

The prime minister thanked the Emir of Qatar for playing a role in reducing tensions and helping to establish a peaceful environment between the two countries. “We want to resolve this issue in a long-term and sustainable manner,” he added.

Moving on to other issues, the prime minister recalled that Pakistan had successfully eliminated terrorism in 2018, but the menace resurfaced due to the “negligence of the previous government, which allowed militants a free hand.”

He also highlighted Pakistan’s support for Gaza, condemned the killing of civilians, including children, in schools and hospitals, and praised global and Islamic efforts—led by Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Turkiye and Pakistan—to help achieve a ceasefire in Gaza.

“The people of Gaza now have hope that the cycle of bloodshed has ended. Pakistan’s position remains firm: there must be a sovereign Palestinian state, and Palestinians must be given their right to self-determination according to UN resolutions,” he said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued moral and diplomatic support to the people of Kashmir and announced that the government had reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF, expressing hope that it would be the last such program for Pakistan.

“The time has come to free ourselves from the burden of debt. Hard work is the first condition for independence and national dignity,” he concluded, adding that Pakistan’s economic stability will strengthen its global voice and respect.



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