Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif on Friday underscored the emerging threat of terrorism from Afghan territory, urging the international community to hold the Afghan government accountable for its responsibilities. He delivered his remarks at a high-level forum commemorating the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, emphasizing regional security, peace, and sustainable development.
Speaking from the historic city of Ashgabat, the Prime Minister lauded Turkmenistan’s hospitality and the city’s architectural splendor, describing the white marble capital and the warmth of its people as exemplary. He noted that 2025 being declared the International Year of Peace and Trust is a welcome initiative and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to responsible leadership on global security issues, highlighting its active role in the UN Security Council this year.
“Pakistan has taken on responsibilities at the Security Council amid a new wave of terrorism emerging from Afghan soil. The international community must press the Afghan government to fulfil its obligations,” he stated.
The Prime Minister reiterated that peaceful resolution of conflicts remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He highlighted Pakistan’s support for the Gaza Peace Initiative, which facilitated a ceasefire and brought relief to millions of Palestinians. He also referenced UN Security Council Resolution 2788 as an endorsement of Pakistan’s vision for regional peace and reiterated Pakistan’s role, as a member of the Arab Islamic Group, in humanitarian and peace missions in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif emphasized the interconnection between sustainable peace and sustainable development, noting that the 2030 Agenda provides a comprehensive roadmap for global progress. He stressed financial inclusion and women’s participation in economic activities as key priorities, highlighting Pakistan’s clean and green development model as a global example.
Addressing climate change and inequality, the Prime Minister called for equitable access to advanced technologies, stressing that these challenges pose serious risks to developing nations. He praised Turkmenistan’s leadership role in promoting global peace and urged the forum to translate dialogue into concrete actions.
He further urged the world to move beyond zero-sum thinking and embrace collaborative approaches that not only boost trade but also build bridges connecting people and ideas.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, alongside global leaders, paid homage at Turkmenistan’s Neutrality Monument and laid a floral wreath. The event was attended by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and representatives from several other countries.
