Prime Minister praises Turkiye’s ‘constructive role’ in promoting peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan following recent ceasefire

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday acknowledged Turkiye’s constructive role in promoting peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan in light of the recently announced temporary ceasefire.

Pakistan and Afghanistan on Wednesday announced a temporary pause in hostilities ahead of Eid, in a rare de-escalation after days of escalating cross-border tensions. The ceasefire, announced separately by Islamabad and Kabul, will remain in effect from midnight on March 18 and 19 to midnight on March 23 and 24, with both sides warning that any violation could trigger an immediate resumption of military operations.

The cessation of fighting was achieved thanks to the mediation of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye.

A statement issued today by the Prime Minister’s Office said that Prime Minister Shehbaz and Turkish President Recep Erdogan exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan.

“The Prime Minister acknowledged Turkiye’s constructive role in promoting peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan and in particular with respect to the recently announced temporary ceasefire during the Eid period.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed solidarity with the Turkish nation amid recent missile attacks during the conflict in the Middle East and condemned the escalation of regional tensions. “The entire Pakistani nation stands with our Turkish brothers and sisters during these difficult times,” the prime minister said.

“Both leaders agreed that a solution to the regional situation is only possible through negotiations and diplomacy.”

The prime minister also conveyed his warm wishes to President Erdoğan, his family and the people of Turkiye ahead of Eid, and the two leaders prayed for peace, unity and prosperity for the Muslim community.

The prime minister said both countries continued to cooperate closely to strengthen ties in all sectors of mutual interest.

The leaders also agreed to maintain close contact to further enhance bilateral relations and regional cooperation.

The Prime Minister said in a post on

Prime Minister Shehbaz also conveyed warm Eid greetings to King Abdullah II, the royal family and the people of Jordan during a telephone conversation, while condemning the recent attacks on the country.

In a statement posted on his official X account, the prime minister said he discussed the evolving situation in the Middle East with King Abdullah II of Jordan. He strongly condemned the attacks on Jordan and expressed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the Jordanian people.

“We agree on the urgent need for restraint, de-escalation and dialogue to restore peace,” he added.

The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties with Jordan in all areas of mutual interest.

Turkiye and UN welcome ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Turkiye and the United Nations welcomed the temporary ceasefire announced by Pakistan and Afghanistan for Eid.

“Based on this decision, we hope that the ceasefire will be respected and the way will be paved for a process through which lasting peace and prosperity will be provided to the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“It is a positive development,” said UN spokesman Farhan Haq, expressing hope that the suspension will be extended during Eid.

Pakistan has long accused the Afghan Taliban of providing shelter to terrorist leaders and fighters, who regrouped across the border following Pakistan’s military operations in the former tribal areas. While the Taliban has publicly denied giving free rein to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Islamabad maintains that the TTP’s safe havens in Afghanistan remain intact.

Tensions rose last year after a series of deadly attacks in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, which Pakistan directly linked to militants operating from Afghanistan.

Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab Lil Haq last month following fresh clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, after Afghan Taliban forces fired on multiple locations, prompting swift military retaliation by Pakistan.

Since then, neighboring countries have intensified hostilities along the border. Clashes intensified after Afghanistan launched a border offensive in response to Pakistani airstrikes on terrorist positions.