Pakistan ready for talks with Afghanistan under legitimate conditions: PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan is ready to hold talks with Afghanistan, but only on “legitimate and mutually respectful terms.”

Addressing a federal cabinet meeting on Thursday, the prime minister said Pakistan had made repeated efforts to convince the Afghan authorities that the millions of Afghans living across the border were “our brothers and sisters” and that both countries shared deep historical, cultural and religious ties.

“Pakistan and Afghanistan share a long common border. Despite our limited resources, we have hosted Afghan refugees for decades and maintained the bond of brotherhood,” Prime Minister Shehbaz said.

He noted that around four million Afghan nationals have been living in Pakistan for decades, reflecting the country’s generosity and humanitarian commitment. However, he expressed deep concern over continued cross-border militant attacks.

“Afghan terrorists have been targeting our police, soldiers and innocent civilians. A few days ago, our armed forces were attacked by Khawarij (terrorists). Our patience has now run out,” he said.

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Prime Minister Shehbaz revealed that Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister, Defense Minister and senior officials had made several visits to Kabul to promote peace and cooperation.

“We told the Afghan authorities that we want a region of peace and prosperity, but unfortunately, despite all efforts, Afghanistan chose aggression over peace,” he said.

He further claimed that the recent attack on Pakistan’s forces took place “at the behest of India,” adding that at the time of the attack, “the Afghan foreign minister was in New Delhi.”

“We were forced to respond decisively. Under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, our brave armed forces exercised their right of self-defense and gave a befitting reply to the attackers,” the prime minister said.

Read also: Pakistan accepts the Afghan Taliban regime’s request for a 48-hour ceasefire

Shehbaz announced that Pakistan had agreed to a 48-hour temporary ceasefire at Afghanistan’s request, facilitated by Qatar’s mediation.

“We are ready to engage in dialogue with Afghanistan under legitimate conditions. We told our brotherly neighbor that we seek peace through mutual consultation and cooperation,” he said.

The Prime Minister appreciated the Emir of Qatar for playing a role in reducing tensions and helping to establish a peaceful environment between the two countries. “We want to resolve this matter on a long-term and sustainable basis,” he added.

On other issues, the prime minister recalled that Pakistan had successfully eliminated terrorism in 2018, but the threat resurfaced due to “neglect of the previous government, which gave militants a free hand.”

He also highlighted Pakistan’s support for Gaza, condemned the killing of civilians, including children, in schools and hospitals, and praised the global and Islamic efforts – led by Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Malaysia, Turkiye and Pakistan – to help achieve a ceasefire in Gaza.

“The people of Gaza are now hopeful that the cycle of bloodshed has ended. Pakistan’s position remains firm: there must be a sovereign Palestinian state and the Palestinians must receive their right to self-determination under UN resolutions,” he asserted.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s continued moral and diplomatic support to the people of Kashmir, Prime Minister Shehbaz announced that the government had entered into a staff-level agreement with the IMF, expressing hope that it would be the last program of its kind for Pakistan.

“The time has come to free us from the burden of debt. Hard work is the first condition of national independence and dignity,” he concluded, adding that Pakistan’s economic stability will strengthen its global voice and respect.