Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of global disputes, urging the international community to press the Afghan Taliban to fulfil their international obligations and curb terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil. Addressing an international forum held in connection with the International Year of Peace and Trust 2025, the International Day of Neutrality, and the anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, the prime minister said that the peaceful settlement of disputes remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. “It is in this spirit that Pakistan supported the Gaza Peace Plan and its subsequent endorsement by the UN Security Council,” he remarked. The prime minister noted that Pakistan began the year by assuming its role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, where it continues to work for the promotion of global peace and security. He cautioned, however, that terrorism was once again resurging—this time emanating from Afghan territory. He urged the international community to impress upon the Afghan Taliban the need to honour their commitments and rein in terrorist elements operating from Afghanistan. Sharif also thanked Qatar, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran for their sincere efforts toward securing a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, describing the situation as “still very fragile.” He said the unanimous adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2788 earlier this year was a strong endorsement of Pakistan’s vision for the peaceful resolution of conflicts. The prime minister expressed hope that, as part of the group of eight Arab Islamic countries, ongoing regional peace efforts would ultimately safeguard the lives of innocent Palestinians, ensure a lasting ceasefire, enable the flow of critical humanitarian assistance, and support Gaza’s reconstruction. He further reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for all efforts aimed at securing the inalienable right to self-determination for the Palestinian people as well as for the resilient people of Kashmir. The Prime Minister noted that the pursuit of lasting peace was intrinsically linked to the path of sustainable development. In this regard, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development presents a universal blueprint for a better and peaceful world. Socioeconomic development and the welfare of our people are my government’s foremost priority. “We have made significant strides in several key areas, including advancing financial inclusion, bringing women and the marginalised into the economic mainstream,” he said, adding that in the face of global warming, Pakistan had demonstrated its strong commitment to undertake cleaner and greener solutions, transforming our landscape and setting a global example in ecosystem restoration. “However, like many developing nations, our quest for sustainable development is facing the headwinds of climate-induced disasters and inequities in international economic relations.” PM Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan had suffered devastating floods in 2023s, faced human life losses and economic losses, and then again this year it faced catastrophic situations because of climate change devastations. The prime minister added that climate change, poverty and inequality were not isolated challenges. These are transnational threats that demand international solutions built on the foundation of shared responsibility and unity of purpose. “Access to advanced technologies, especially digital technologies, must also be equitable and without any kind of discrimination,” he added. He also appealed to the global leaders to let this forum serve as a genuine call to action and urgent action for a new paradigm of international relations, where we move from zero-sum mindsets to purposeful cooperation. “Let us invest in connectivity, not just as conduits for transportation of goods, but as bridges for people, ideas and prosperity.” Earlier, the prime minister felicitated the leadership of Turkmenistan on the 30th anniversary of its permanent neutrality and on the success of its initiative for the designation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust by the United Nations.
Pakistan calls on the international community to urge the Afghan Taliban to pursue peace
