‘They forced us’: PM says Pak-Afghan trade curbs due to Kabul’s failure against militants

Shehbaz departs for Davos to attend WEF annual meeting

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said Pakistan was “forced” to halt all trade with Afghanistan due to Kabul’s inaction against terrorists operating from its soil.

The Pak-Afghan border has been closed for trade since mid-October 2025, when border clashes erupted. Successive rounds of talks on counter-terrorism mechanisms failed to produce a workable solution despite mediation by Turkiye and Qatar.

“There is a complete blockade of Pak-Afghan trade. It should not have been there, but they forced us,” the premier said while addressing a national workshop event in Islamabad.

“This time, it must be decided whether Afghanistan wants to live peacefully or not […] They are our brothers and sisters. If the interim Afghan government does not have an interest in this (peace with Pakistan), they should at least have mercy on its people and not oppress them.”

“Rest assured, we will keep trying our best,” the prime minister added.

While trade data shows that the border closure has hit Afghanistan far harder than Pakistan, exporters and the business community have raised concerns over the losses being faced by them.

“It is our neighbouring country, we have to live forever […] what is good for Afghanistan is good for Pakistan, and vice versa,” the prime minister remarked.

He called it unfortunate that the past and the incumbent Afghan governments “did not cherish the hospitality” offered by Pakistan.

The premier added that while international aid was received for the four million Afghan refugees in Pakistan, the country also had to use its own resources.

He further said that Pakistan did no favour to the Afghan people but fulfilled its responsibilities.

“But the way they are paying us back is very upsetting,” the prime minister added.

PM Shehbaz noted that the 2020 Doha Accords were “very clear” in stating that Afghanistan will rein in terrorist activity in the country and will not allow any terrorist to operate from their territory.

Recalling ministers’ various meetings held with Afghan leaders, the premier lamented, “But they did not adhere to a single one of our recommendations.”

Recalling the Pak-Afghan border clashes of October 2025 and the subsequent rounds of talks that failed, he said, “Nothing came of it. We had only one demand that you commit to rein in all terrorist outfits and proxies, whether it is the TTP, BLA, or the resources provided to them by India’s support.”

“Unfortunately, they did not make any serious commitment,” he added.

In his address, the premier also spoke at length about Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the surge in terrorism.

Calling the province a “beautiful region” of Pakistan, he praised its people, saying they “never hesitate to sacrifice their lives for their country”.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday departed for an official visit to Davos, Switzerland, to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Conference 2026 from January 19 to 23.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) is a Swiss-based non-governmental organisation that brings together leaders from the political, business, academic, and cultural sectors to discuss global issues. The annual conference, held in Davos, serves as a platform for world leaders and executives to address economic challenges, global policies, and innovative solutions.

The prime minister is accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, Minister for Information Ataullah Tarar, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, and other senior officials.

The prime minister’s visit will include diplomatic and economic engagements, with several bilateral meetings scheduled with heads of state and government, as well as leaders of international organisations. Staff Report