ASHGABAT (MNN); Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday called on the international community to push Afghanistan’s rulers to meet their global obligations and curb militant outfits operating from Afghan soil.
He made the remarks while addressing an international forum in Turkmenistan and during separate meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The prime minister stressed that Pakistan’s security concerns must be addressed through “meaningful action” by Kabul. Pakistan has long maintained that cross-border attacks are being launched from Afghanistan, an allegation the Afghan Taliban deny. Recent border tensions resulted in a ceasefire mediated by Turkiye and Qatar, though Islamabad says the truce remains fragile.
Speaking at the event marking the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, PM Shehbaz said the global community must urge Kabul to fulfil its commitments and rein in militants operating from its territory. He thanked Qatar, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Iran and the UAE for helping broker the truce between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The premier reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for peaceful dispute resolution and noted that the UN Security Council’s Resolution 2788 this year backed Pakistan’s vision for resolving conflicts through dialogue. He also expressed hope that efforts for peace in Gaza would protect innocent Palestinians and lead to a lasting ceasefire and sustained humanitarian aid.
PM Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan’s progress in financial inclusion, women’s economic participation, and climate-friendly development, but said climate disasters, poverty and global economic inequities continue to challenge the country’s development goals. He urged collective action, advanced technology access, and fair international cooperation to tackle these threats.
In his concluding remarks, he appealed for a new spirit of cooperation in global affairs and called for investment in connectivity that links people, ideas and economies. He said the world must move beyond conflict and allow “the dove of peace to take flight once more.”
Shehbaz–Erdogan Meeting
During a meeting with President Erdogan, PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to deepen cooperation with Turkiye in political, economic, defence, energy and investment sectors. The two leaders welcomed recent progress on bilateral mechanisms, including the ministerial commission and strategic cooperation council. PM Shehbaz also sought Turkish expertise in the privatisation of power distribution companies and emphasised the importance of regional connectivity through projects like the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul railway.
He appreciated Turkiye’s role in mediating talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan and lauded President Erdogan’s efforts for peace in Gaza.
Shehbaz–Pezeshkian Meeting
In a separate meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, the two sides agreed to enhance economic cooperation, strengthen border security, operationalise border markets, and improve connectivity via the rail network linking Pakistan, Iran and Turkiye. PM Shehbaz emphasised the need for Afghanistan’s rulers to take concrete steps to address Pakistan’s security concerns. Both leaders also discussed Gaza and regional challenges. The Iranian president expressed his desire to further strengthen ties with Pakistan.
Other Engagements
PM Shehbaz also spoke informally with several world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov.
Separately, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Iranian, Kyrgyz, Turkish, Omani, Uzbek and Tajik foreign ministers. The discussions focused on advancing bilateral cooperation, regional connectivity, stability and trade.
Earlier, PM Shehbaz and other leaders visited Turkmenistan’s Monument of Neutrality as part of the forum’s activities. The premier also met President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on Thursday and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing economic ties and regional connectivity. He said he looks forward to hosting the Turkmen leadership in Pakistan next year.
PM Shehbaz is visiting Turkmenistan at the invitation of the Turkmen president, accompanied by senior cabinet members and advisers.
