Pakistan ready for negotiations with Afghanistan on legitimate terms: PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan was ready to enter into negotiations 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 Afghan authorities that the millions of Afghans living across the border were “our brothers and sisters” and that the two 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, thus maintaining 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 attacks by militants.

“Afghan terrorists have targeted our policemen, soldiers and innocent civilians. A few days ago, our armed forces were attacked by the Khawarij (terrorists). Our patience is now running out,” he said.

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

“We told the Afghan authorities that we wanted 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 Pakistani forces took place “at the request 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 response to the attackers,” the Prime Minister said.

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

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

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

Moving on to other issues, the Prime Minister recalled that Pakistan had managed to eliminate terrorism in 2018, but the menace has re-emerged due to the “negligence of the previous government, which gave militants a free hand.”

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

“The people of Gaza now hope that the cycle of bloodshed is over. Pakistan’s position remains firm: there must be a sovereign Palestinian state, and Palestinians must achieve their right to self-determination under UN resolutions,” he said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued moral and diplomatic support to the people of Kashmir and announced that the government had reached an IMF staff-level agreement, expressing hope that this would be the last such program for Pakistan.

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