PM Emphasizes Good Neighbourly Relations with Afghanistan

  • The Prime Minister stated, “We must coexist as amicable neighbors.”
  • He stressed that Afghan territory should not be used to undermine Pakistan.
  • He noted that terrorist organizations are functioning from within Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif voiced concern that Afghanistan’s territory is, regrettably, being exploited to perpetrate terrorist acts within Pakistan.

The Prime Minister spoke with the media while outside the Avenfield flats, where he had come to see Nawaz Sharif, the head of the ruling PML-N, who was in London for a couple of weeks. Ishaq Dar, the Deputy Prime Minister, was present with the Prime Minister. The three leaders met at the Park Lane apartments before heading out for lunch.

“Afghanistan is a brotherly nation, and our countries are natural neighbors. We must strive to live in harmony and friendship. We have repeatedly urged the interim Afghan government to prevent the use of their territory against Pakistan and its interests, as stipulated in the Doha Agreement,” stated PM Shehbaz.

“Regrettably, groups such as Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) and other similar entities are conducting operations from Afghanistan, resulting in the deaths of innocent people in Pakistan. These sacrifices made by Pakistanis will not be in vain. I urge Afghanistan to control these groups,” the Prime Minister added.

The Prime Minister mentioned his productive discussions with the leadership in Belarus. “We had an in-depth conversation regarding the opportunities for collaboration between Pakistan and Belarus. Pakistan stands to gain significantly from Belarus’s expertise in agriculture.

He continued, “Pakistan is blessed with vast mineral resources. Belarus possesses the necessary machinery for this sector. We visited a manufacturing facility to explore these possibilities. We are optimistic that this collaboration could create 150,000 skilled jobs for Pakistani workers in Belarus, and we have reached a mutual understanding.”

When questioned about the “Punjab speed,” the Prime Minister responded, “The Punjab speed was for the benefit of Pakistan. Now, we operate at supreme Pakistan speed. Guided by the vision and leadership of Nawaz Sharif, we are committed to implementing his plans. This is a new, progressive Pakistan, advancing towards our goals. We have averted economic default, thanks to the prayers of the nation, and we will continue our efforts to safeguard Pakistan.”

The Prime Minister voiced his optimism that the Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad would be a resounding success. “The convention has already commenced and is poised to be a historic event, offering numerous benefits to Overseas Pakistanis who are returning home for this occasion.”

PM Shehbaz and FM Dar are scheduled to depart from London for Pakistan on Monday morning.