Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has warned that the use of Afghan soil for terrorism poses a serious threat not only to the region but to the entire world, calling on the international community to act decisively against emerging security challenges.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was addressing a forum held in Ashgabat to mark the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s policy of permanent neutrality. He congratulated the government and people of Turkmenistan on completing three decades of neutrality and praised the country’s tradition of honouring guests.

The prime minister described Ashgabat as a glorious city, commending the beauty of its white marble architecture and the warmth of the Turkmen people.

Terrorism resurging from Afghan soil, warns PM

In his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the scourge of terrorism is once again on the rise. He expressed deep concern that Afghan soil is being used for terrorist activities, describing it as a new and dangerous threat.

He stressed that there is an urgent need to rein in terrorist elements operating from Afghan territory and said the heads of terrorists must be crushed to ensure global security.

Call for international pressure

The prime minister urged the international community to pressure the Afghan Taliban regime to fulfill its international obligations and commitments. He emphasized that the Afghan government must take responsibility to prevent its territory from being used for terrorism.

According to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, failure to act collectively would allow terrorism to further destabilize the region and beyond.

Peaceful conflict resolution

Shehbaz reiterated that the peaceful resolution of conflicts is the fundamental pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy and diplomacy. He called on all nations to pledge to resolve disputes through dialogue and diplomacy rather than confrontation.

He said peace, mutual trust, and shared prosperity can only be achieved if countries work together with sincerity and cooperation.

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Highlighting Pakistan’s international responsibilities, the prime minister said Pakistan has assumed an important role in the United Nations Security Council this year. He reaffirmed that Pakistan is playing its full role in promoting global peace and security.

He also welcomed the declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust, expressing hope that it would strengthen multilateral cooperation.

Middle East ceasefire, humanitarian aid

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored the importance of a lasting ceasefire in the Middle East. He said the provision of humanitarian aid is essential to alleviate suffering in conflict-hit areas.

Referring to Gaza, he stated that the Gaza peace plan was approved with Pakistan’s support, reflecting the country’s consistent stance on peaceful conflict resolution.

During his speech, the prime minister described Turkmenistan’s national leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow and President Serdar Berdimuhamedow as brothers. He praised Turkmenistan’s hospitality and its principled neutrality, calling it a model for global peace efforts.

Following the forum, Shehbaz remained the center of attention among world leaders during his visit to Turkmenistan, as he held informal meetings with several leaders, including Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon.

He also met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and held an informal interaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Earlier today, the premier arrived at the Neutrality Monument in Ashgabat alongside world leaders participating in the Permanent Neutrality Anniversary Forum. The monument represents Turkmenistan’s internationally recognized policy of permanent neutrality.

During the ceremony, the prime minister and other global leaders laid flowers at the monument to pay tribute to this principle, which has shaped Turkmenistan’s foreign policy for three decades.

30 years of Turkmenistan’s neutrality

The PM attended the official ceremony held to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality. Leaders from different countries continue to arrive in Ashgabat to take part in the anniversary forum.

The event highlights Turkmenistan’s role in promoting peace, trust, and neutrality at the regional and international levels.

President of Turkmenistan, Sardar Berdimuhamedow, warmly welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the global forum. President Berdimuhamedow also received other visiting world leaders attending the Permanent Neutrality Anniversary Forum.