ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on Afghanistan’s Taliban government to take decisive action against militant groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), operating from Afghan territory — describing it as essential for lasting peace and regional stability.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference in Islamabad on Tuesday, Sharif emphasized that “a stable Afghanistan is vital for connectivity, growth, and prosperity” across South and Central Asia.
“Afghanistan must realise that enduring peace can only be achieved by reining in the TTP and other terrorist groups using its soil,” the premier asserted, noting that cross-border militancy continues to endanger not just Afghanistan’s stability but also peace “beyond its borders.”
He highlighted his government’s resolve to pursue “peace and tranquillity” despite facing internal and external challenges. Referring to what he called “unprovoked aggression on the eastern front in May” by India, he praised the armed forces’ “swift and professional” response that safeguarded national sovereignty.
“Having won the war, we now need to win the peace through sincere and honest efforts,” he remarked, framing Pakistan’s current strategy as a shift toward consolidating regional peace.
Sharif also condemned recent cross-border attacks on Pakistani border posts from the Afghan side, saying Pakistan’s response was “firm and decisive,” meant to deliver an “unforgettable lesson” to those responsible.
The prime minister expressed gratitude to Qatar and Turkiye for facilitating talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to “peace, security, and constructive regional engagement.”
His comments come amid a diplomatic deadlock, as bilateral talks between Islamabad and Kabul have been suspended following renewed border tensions. On Friday, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that negotiations were halted with “no programme for the fourth round of talks,” after the latest meeting in Istanbul failed to yield progress.
Asif acknowledged the mediation efforts of Qatar and Turkiye, saying the facilitators had made “sincere attempts” but were ultimately unable to bridge the divide.
The suspension of talks marks a fresh setback in efforts to de-escalate Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions, as both nations grapple with the growing threat of cross-border militancy and the challenge of achieving durable regional peace.
