PM hails 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 March 18-24 until midnight March 23-24, with both sides warning that any violation could trigger an immediate resumption of military operations.

The end to the fighting was achieved thanks to the mediation of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey.

A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office today said that 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, particularly with regard to the recently announced temporary ceasefire during the Eid period.”

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

“Both leaders agreed that a resolution of the regional situation is only possible through negotiation and diplomacy.”

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

The Prime Minister said the two countries continue to cooperate closely to strengthen ties in all sectors of mutual interest.

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

The Prime Minister said in a message on

Prime Minister Shehbaz also conveyed warm Eid wishes to King Abdullah II, the royal family and the people of Jordan in a telephone conversation, while condemning the recent attacks on the country.

In a statement posted on his official X account, the prime minister said he discussed the developing 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 relations with Jordan in all areas of mutual interest.

Turkey and UN welcome Pak-Afghan ceasefire

Turkey and the United Nations 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 through which lasting peace and prosperity will be ensured for the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“This is a welcome development,” said UN spokesperson Farhan Haq, 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 have regrouped across the border following Pakistani military operations in the former tribal areas. While the Taliban has publicly denied giving carte blanche to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Islamabad maintains that the TTP’s 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-Afghan border after Afghan Taliban forces fired on several locations, prompting rapid military retaliation from Pakistan.

Since then, neighboring countries have engaged in an escalation of hostilities along the border. The clashes intensified after Afghanistan launched a border offensive in response to Pakistani airstrikes targeting terrorist positions.