Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 12 December 2025 – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday called on the international community to press the Taliban-led regime in Kabul to fulfil its responsibilities and curb the emergence of a new terrorism threat from Afghanistan.
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Speaking at a forum marking the International Year of Peace and Trust 2025, the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, PM Shehbaz stressed that the peaceful resolution of conflicts remains the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
The premier’s remarks come amid heightened Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions following a series of cross-border attacks, which Islamabad says were carried out by Afghan nationals. Border clashes in October between the armed forces of the two countries, triggered by unprovoked attacks on Pakistani posts, have since been contained under a ceasefire, though a long-term agreement on preventing cross-border attacks remains elusive.
On broader regional issues, PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s support for the Gaza peace plan endorsed by the UN Security Council and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to the rights of Palestinians and the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Domestically, the prime minister highlighted socio-economic development as his government’s top priority, citing efforts in financial inclusion and integrating women and marginalised groups into the economic mainstream.
Addressing global challenges, PM Shehbaz called climate change, poverty, and inequality “transnational threats” requiring international cooperation. He urged equitable access to advanced technologies and investments in connectivity projects as bridges for ideas, prosperity, and peace.
PM Shehbaz is on a two-day official visit to Turkmenistan. Earlier, he participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Neutrality Monument alongside leaders including Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedow, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Tajikistan’s Emomali Rahmon, and Kazakhstan’s Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, as well as representatives from the UN and other international organisations.
During his visit, the prime minister also met Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to discuss trade, transport, and energy cooperation, underscoring the “historic and fraternal” ties between the two countries.
