PM urges Kabul to act against TTP

Says peace and security form foundation of sustainable development

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday warned that lasting peace in the region was impossible without Afghanistan taking decisive action against terrorist groups operating from its territory.

"Afghanistan must understand that lasting peace can only be realised by reining in Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and other terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory," the premier said while addressing the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers' Conference in Islamabad.

He said the theme of the conference - "Peace, Security and Development" - was both timely and relevant, particularly for Pakistan, which had always advocated dialogue and diplomacy as the path to peace.

"We firmly believe that peace and security form the foundation of sustainable national and regional development," he said.

"The true value of peace is most profoundly understood when we are confronted with the conflicts that continue to plague our world."

Referring to the recent border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, he said Islamabad's response was "firm and decisive, teaching an unforgettable lesson".

He also appreciated Turkiye and Qatar for facilitating peace talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime. "A peaceful Afghanistan holds the key to regional connectivity, peace, and prosperity," he said.

"This peace has remained elusive for decades. However, Pakistan has never lost hope. We believe in a peaceful neighbourhood and have been striving hard for this purpose."

Expressing regret that terrorist groups continued to "imperil peace" within and beyond Afghanistan, Shehbaz reaffirmed that Pakistan would remain steadfast in defending its security interests.

He also touched upon the military confrontation with India in May this year. "In May, Pakistan faced unprovoked aggression from the eastern front. Our armed forces displayed remarkable preparedness and performed outstandingly on the battlefield. Having won the war, we need to win peace, through sincere and honest efforts."

The premier added that Pakistan's commitment to upholding peace and security was reflected in its constructive engagement at global and regional forums, including the United Nations (UN), Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

His comments come just days after a third round of Pakistan-Afghanistan talks in Istanbul broke down without agreement, as negotiators failed to bridge divisions over mechanisms to monitor and prevent cross-border terrorism.