PM praises Turkey’s ‘constructive role’ in promoting Pak-Afghan peace after recent ceasefire

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday acknowledged Turkey’s constructive role in promoting peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan in light of the recently announced temporary ceasefire.

Pakistan and Afghanistan announced a temporary pause in hostilities ahead of Eid on Wednesday, in a rare de-escalation after days of heightened cross-border tensions. The ceasefire, announced separately by Islamabad and Kabul, will remain in effect from midnight on March 18/19 to midnight on March 23/24, with both sides warning that any violation could trigger an immediate resumption of military operations.

The cessation of fighting was achieved as a result of mediation by Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye.

A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office today said Prime Minister Shehbaz and Turkish President Recep Erdogan exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan.

“The Prime Minister acknowledged Turkey’s constructive role in promoting peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan and particularly with regard to the recently announced temporary ceasefire during the Eid period.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed solidarity with the Turkish nation amid recent missile attacks during the Middle East conflict and condemned the escalation of regional tensions. “The entire nation of Pakistan stands with our Turkish brothers and sisters in these difficult times,” the prime minister said.

“Both leaders agreed that a solution to the regional situation is only possible through negotiations and diplomacy.”

The Prime Minister also conveyed his warm wishes to President Erdoğan, his family and the people of Turkiye ahead of Eid, with the two leaders praying for peace, unity and prosperity for the Muslim community.

The Prime Minister said both countries continued to work closely together to strengthen ties across all sectors of mutual interest.

The leaders also agreed to maintain close contact to further strengthen bilateral relations and regional cooperation.

The prime minister said in a speech on X that he reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast solidarity with Turkiye, as well as with other brotherly Gulf countries, and expressed his readiness to support efforts aimed at de-escalation and dialogue.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also conveyed warm Eid greetings to King Abdullah II, the royal family and the people of Jordan during a phone call while condemning the recent attacks on the country.

In a statement on his official X account, the prime minister said he discussed the development of the situation in the Middle East with King Abdullah II of Jordan. He strongly condemned the attacks on Jordan and expressed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the Jordanian people.

“We agreed on the urgent need for restraint, de-escalation and dialogue to restore peace,” he added.

The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties with Jordan across all areas of mutual interest.

Turkiye, UN welcomes Pak-Afghan ceasefire

Turkiye and the UN had welcomed the temporary ceasefire announced by Pakistan and Afghanistan for Eid.

“Based on this decision, we hope that the ceasefire will be respected and pave the way for a process whereby lasting peace and prosperity will be given to the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“It is a welcome development,” UN spokesman Farhan Haq had said, expressing hope that the suspension during Eid would be extended.

Pakistan has long accused the Afghan Taliban of providing sanctuary to terrorist leaders and fighters who regrouped across the border following Pakistan’s military operations in the former tribal areas. While the Taliban have publicly refused to give Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) free rein, Islamabad maintains that TTP safe havens in Afghanistan remain intact.

Tensions escalated last year after a series of deadly attacks in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, which Pakistan directly linked to militants operating from Afghanistan.

Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab Lil Haq last month following renewed clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border after Afghan Taliban forces fired at several locations, prompting swift military retaliation from Pakistan.

The neighboring countries were engaged in escalating hostilities along the border since then. Clashes intensified after Afghanistan launched a border offensive in response to Pakistani airstrikes targeting terrorist positions.