PM says lasting peace hinges on Kabul reining in terror groups

Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that Kabul must understand that lasting peace could only be achieved by reining in terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil.

“Afghanistan must understand that lasting peace can only be realised by reining in Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and other terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory,” Shehbaz said while addressing the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference in Islamabad.

In his remarks, the premier said that the theme of the conference, “Peace, Security and Development”, could not be more timely and relevant.

He added that the theme was particularly resonant for Pakistan, saying that the country had always advocated for peace through dialogue and diplomacy.

“We firmly believe that peace and security form the foundation of sustainable national and regional development,” he said.

“The true value of peace is most profoundly understood when we are confronted with the conflicts that continue to plague our world,” he said.

The premier especially called attention to the recent border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, calling Islamabad’s response “firm and decisive, teaching an unforgettable lesson”.

He also deeply appreciated the efforts of Turkiye and Qatar in facilitating peace talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime.

“A peaceful Afghanistan holds the key to regional connectivity, peace, and prosperity,” he said.

“This peace has remained elusive for decades. However, Pakistan has never lost hope. We believe in a peaceful neighbourhood and have been striving hard for this purpose,” he asserted.

He regretted that terrorist groups continued to “imperil peace”, both within Afghanistan and outside it.

The premier also talked about the brief military conflict between Pakistan and India earlier this year in May.

“In May, Pakistan faced unprovoked aggression from the eastern front. Our armed forces displayed remarkable preparedness and performed outstandingly on the battlefield,” he said.

“Having won the war, we need to win peace, through sincere and honest efforts,” Shehbaz said.

He added that Pakistan’s commitment to upholding peace and security was manifested by its constructive role at diplomatic forums including the United Nations (UN), Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The prime minister’s remarks come days after a third round of talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which were taking place in Istanbul in the presence of mediators, broke down without any agreement, as negotiators failed to bridge deep differences over how to monitor and prevent cross-border terrorism. Staff Report