Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned that militant threats originating from Afghanistan are increasingly undermining regional security, calling for coordinated regional and international action to curb violence and ensure stability.
The prime minister raised the issue during talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the “Peace and Trust” Conference in Turkmenistan, where leaders discussed developments in Afghanistan, cross-border security challenges and their wider implications for regional peace.
According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Information, Prime Minister Sharif urged Iran to use its influence to encourage Afghanistan’s rulers to take concrete and verifiable steps against armed groups operating from Afghan territory, stressing that Pakistan’s longstanding concerns remain unresolved.
He underlined that Islamabad expects practical measures rather than assurances, and called on the international community to press Afghanistan’s authorities to dismantle militant networks that continue to pose serious threats to neighbouring countries.
Addressing the conference, Prime Minister Sharif said insecurity linked to Afghanistan has intensified since the change of power there, with repeated attacks reported in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. He warned that continued inaction could further destabilise the region and undermine collective efforts for peace and development.
Relations between Pakistan and the Taliban-led administration have sharply deteriorated in recent months, marked by border tensions, sporadic clashes and strong rhetoric over the issue of militant sanctuaries. Pakistani officials have consistently maintained that cross-border militancy represents a direct challenge to national and regional security.
Analysts say the growing strain reflects deep mistrust, as Pakistan accuses Afghanistan-based groups of launching attacks inside its territory, while Taliban officials deny responsibility. Experts warn that without sustained regional engagement and meaningful action on the ground, the situation risks further escalation.
Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to regional stability through diplomacy and dialogue, while making clear that lasting peace is contingent on decisive action against militancy emanating from Afghan soil.
