Pakistan ready for talks with Afghanistan under legitimate conditions: PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan is prepared to hold talks with Afghanistan, but only on “legitimate and mutually respectful conditions.”

Addressing a meeting of the federal cabinet 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 both 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, maintaining the bond of brotherhood,” said PM Shehbaz.

He noted that around four million Afghan nationals have lived in Pakistan for decades, reflecting the country’s generosity and humanitarian commitment. However, he expressed deep concern over continued cross-border militant attacks.

“Afghan terrorists have been targeting our police, soldiers, and innocent civilians. A few days ago, our armed forces were attacked by the Khawarij (terrorists). Our patience has now run out,” he said.

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PM Shehbaz revealed that Pakistan’s deputy prime pinister, defence minister, and senior officials had made several visits to Kabul to promote peace and cooperation.

“We told Afghan authorities that we want a region of peace and prosperity, but unfortunately, despite all efforts, Afghanistan chose aggression over peace,” he said.

He further alleged that the recent attack on Pakistan’s forces took place “at India’s behest,” adding that at the time of the assault, “the Afghan foreign minister was in New Delhi.”

“We were compelled to respond decisively. Under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, our brave armed forces exercised their right to self-defense and gave a fitting reply to the attackers,” the prime minister stated.

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

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

The prime minister appreciated Qatar’s Emir for playing a role in reducing tensions and helping to establish a peaceful environment between the two countries. “We wish to resolve this matter on a long-term and sustainable basis,” he added.

Turning to other issues, the prime minister recalled that Pakistan had successfully eliminated terrorism by 2018, but the menace re-emerged due to the “negligence of the previous government, which allowed militants a free hand.”

He also highlighted Pakistan’s support for Gaza, condemning the killing of civilians, including children, in schools and hospitals, and lauded global and Islamic efforts—led by Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Malaysia, Turkiye, and Pakistan—to help achieve a Gaza ceasefire.

“The people of Gaza are now hopeful that the cycle of bloodshed has ended. Pakistan’s stance remains firm: there must be a sovereign Palestinian state, and Palestinians must receive their right to self-determination under UN resolutions,” he asserted.

PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued moral and diplomatic support for the people of Kashmir and announced that the government had reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF, expressing hope that it 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 global voice and respect.