ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday vowed “unwavering and decisive action” against terrorism, warning that Pakistan would no longer tolerate terrorist violence or those who support the menace.
PM Sharif’s remarks came amid growing tensions with Afghanistan over cross-border terrorist sanctuaries and renewed calls for regional cooperation against terrorism.
Speaking at a federal cabinet meeting, PM Sharif declared “enough is enough” as he honored the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s armed forces in the fight for national security.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the continued bravery of soldiers and officers who lay down their lives to ensure the country’s peace and security.
The prime minister lauded Pakistan’s armed forces, noting their decisive victories and sacrifices. “Our military has defeated India on the battlefield and raised Pakistan’s dignity and honour worldwide,” he said.
PM Sharif reaffirmed that the government and people stand united against terrorism and extremism.
The Prime Minister said those who facilitate these terrorists, give them shelter and support, are equally guilty. He said they support these terrorists while our martyrs are defending Pakistan’s soil with their blood day and night.
Pakistan asks Kabul to shut terror sanctuaries
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday also expressed serious concerns over terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan, warning that Islamabad can no longer tolerate safe havens used by terrorists.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Asif said he and senior security officials had visited Afghanistan three years ago, where they directly warned Kabul that militants were operating from Afghan territory.
He noted that Pakistani delegations had repeatedly urged Afghan authorities to dismantle these hideouts and end support for militant groups, but no firm assurances were given.
“We told Afghan officials that 6,000 to 7,000 individuals on your soil pose a threat to us,” Asif stated, adding that Kabul even floated a financial arrangement to keep those individuals in Afghanistan.
“We demanded guarantees that these people would not return to Pakistan, but Afghan authorities refused to provide such assurances.”
Asif said that despite multiple meetings with Afghan officials across various forums, no meaningful progress had been made. He stressed that the matter has now become critical, especially in light of recent deaths among Pakistani security personnel.
He proposed sending a high-level delegation to Kabul to press the point face-to-face, saying: “A suggestion is that within two days a delegation should go to Kabul and tell Afghan authorities this is unbearable.”
Pakistan’s stance on Gaza remains unchanged
During the cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Sharif reiterated that Pakistan’s stance on Gaza remains unchanged. “The entire nation has one voice – the war in Gaza must end,” he said.
The Prime Minister stated that he participated in the Arab-Islamic Summit alongside leaders from eight other countries, where he also held a meeting with US President Donald Trump. The discussions focused on trade and regional stability, while the participating Islamic nations issued a unified condemnation of the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
PM Sharif also highlighted that Pakistan’s relations with Saudi Arabia have deepened, calling his recent visit “historic”. The new bilateral agreement, he said, reflects the 77-year-long friendship between the two nations.
He also commended the government’s negotiation team for its efforts in dialogue with Azad Kashmir’s leadership, saying, “Kashmiris are our crown; every issue will be resolved through mutual understanding.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated his cabinet and economic team after Bloomberg ranked Pakistan as the second fastest-emerging economy, following Turkiye.
He highlighted that remittances rose to $3.2 billion in September—an 11.3 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s strong ties with China, the Prime Minister described the country as a “reliable and steadfast partner through all challenges.”
