ISLAMABAD, Nov 11: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said that lasting peace in the region hinged on Afghanistan’s willingness to curb terrorist groups operating from its territory, particularly the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Addressing the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference in Islamabad, the premier said, “Afghanistan must understand that lasting peace can only be realised by reining in the TTP and other terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil.”
He said the conference’s theme — Peace, Security and Development — was timely and relevant for the region, stressing that Pakistan had consistently advocated for dialogue and diplomacy as the basis for peace. “We firmly believe that peace and security form the foundation of sustainable national and regional development,” he added.
In his remarks, the premier said that the theme of the conference, “Peace, Security and Development”, could not be more timely and relevant.https://t.co/xiyFA0MP8p
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) November 11, 2025
Referring to recent border tensions with Afghanistan, the prime minister described Pakistan’s response as “firm and decisive, teaching an unforgettable lesson”. He also praised Turkiye and Qatar for facilitating talks between Islamabad and the Afghan Taliban, saying, “A peaceful Afghanistan holds the key to regional connectivity, peace and prosperity.”
Shehbaz said that despite decades of conflict, Pakistan continued to believe in a peaceful neighbourhood. However, he cautioned that terrorist groups operating in and beyond Afghanistan continued to imperil regional stability.
The prime minister also referenced the brief military confrontation with India in May, lauding the armed forces for their preparedness and performance. “Having won the war, we now need to win peace through sincere and honest efforts,” he said.
You May Also Like: Sanaullah Denies Link Between PM’s Decision on Immunity Clause and Imran Khan’s Status
Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to global peace and highlighted its constructive role in forums such as the United Nations (UN), Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO), and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
His remarks followed the breakdown of a third round of talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul, where negotiators failed to agree on mechanisms to monitor cross-border terrorism. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif later said the negotiations had entered an “indefinite phase”, though the fragile ceasefire between the two sides remained in place.
Check out our latest video:
