Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today called upon the international community to urge the Afghan Taliban regime to fulfill its international obligations and control terror elements operating from its soil, addressing a major security concern during an international forum here.
Speaking at an event marking the “International Year of Peace and Trust 2025,” the “International Day of Neutrality,” and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality in Ashgabat, the Prime Minister linked regional stability to Afghanistan’s commitments.
He emphasized that the peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy remains a cornerstone of Pakistan”s foreign policy.
In this context, Mr. Sharif highlighted Pakistan”s support for the Gaza peace plan and its subsequent endorsement by the UN Security Council. He expressed hope that current peace initiatives in the Middle East would lead to a permanent ceasefire, protect innocent Palestinian lives, facilitate the flow of critical humanitarian aid, and assist in the reconstruction of Gaza.
The Prime Minister stated that Pakistan has been and will continue to support all efforts aimed at upholding the inalienable right to self-determination for the Palestinian people, as well as for the “brave and resilient Kashmiri people.”
He asserted that the pursuit of lasting peace is intrinsically connected to the path of sustainable development, referencing the 2030 agenda as a universal blueprint for a more peaceful world.
On the domestic front, the Prime Minister identified the socio-economic development and welfare of the populace as his government’s foremost priority. He noted that significant strides have been made in advancing financial inclusion and integrating women and marginalized communities into the economic mainstream.
Addressing environmental concerns, Mr. Sharif said Pakistan has demonstrated a strong commitment to cleaner and greener solutions in the face of global warming and has set a global example in ecosystem restoration. However, he pointed out that Pakistan”s quest for sustainable development, like that of other developing nations, faces headwinds from climate-induced disasters and inequities in international economic relations.
Describing climate change, poverty, and inequality as transnational threats, he stressed that these challenges demand international solutions built on shared responsibility and unity of purpose, adding that access to advanced digital technologies must be equitable and without discrimination.
The Prime Minister also called for increased investments in connectivity projects, viewing them not just as conduits for goods but as “bridges for peoples, ideas and prosperity,” urging the international community to chart a common course toward a future of peace, mutual trust, and shared prosperity.
On the sidelines of the forum, Prime Minister Sharif engaged in informal and cordial meetings with several world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Tajikistan”s President Emomali Rahmon, and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov.