Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said Pakistan was compelled to halt all trade with Afghanistan due to Kabul’s failure to act against terrorists. Speaking at a national workshop in Islamabad, he stressed that the decision was not voluntary but forced by continued security threats.
Trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan has remained suspended since mid-October 2025. Border clashes at that time worsened tensions. Several rounds of talks followed. However, they failed to deliver a workable counterterrorism framework. Mediation efforts by friendly countries also produced no breakthrough.
Addressing the gathering, the prime minister said the blockade should never have happened. However, he said Pakistan had no choice. He questioned whether Afghanistan genuinely wanted peaceful coexistence. At the same time, he described Afghans as brothers and sisters. He urged Kabul to show mercy toward its own people by preventing further suffering.
The prime minister assured that Pakistan would continue diplomatic efforts. However, he made it clear that national security would not be compromised. Although trade data shows Afghanistan suffered greater losses, Pakistani exporters also faced setbacks. Business groups have repeatedly warned about economic damage.
Despite this, PM Shehbaz said neighbourly relations demand cooperation. He added that what benefits Afghanistan also benefits Pakistan. However, he expressed disappointment over Kabul’s response to Pakistan’s long-standing support.
He recalled that Pakistan hosted millions of Afghan refugees for decades. International aid helped, but national resources were also heavily used. According to him, Pakistan fulfilled its moral responsibility. In return, he said, the response from Afghan authorities remained deeply troubling.
The prime minister referred to the 2020 Doha Accords. He said the agreement clearly required Afghanistan to prevent terrorist activity from its soil. He recalled multiple meetings with Afghan leaders. Yet, he said none of Pakistan’s core security concerns were addressed.
Referring to the October 2025 border clashes, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan made only one demand. He said Kabul needed to rein in all terrorist outfits. These included the TTP and BLA, along with their facilitators. He added that no serious commitment was offered.
Turning to internal security, the prime minister discussed the resurgence of terrorism after 2018. He praised the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for their sacrifices. He recalled that terrorism had been eradicated by 2018 through immense national effort.
However, he questioned decisions taken afterward. He said the release of militants and their return from Afghanistan reignited violence. As a result, terrorism again damaged development, especially in KP and Balochistan. He noted that attacks now occur almost daily.
PM Shehbaz condemned attempts to malign fallen soldiers on social media. He said such actions echoed enemy narratives. He reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue fighting terrorism until its complete elimination.
Addressing Centre–KP relations, the prime minister rejected claims of hostility. He said he personally reached out to the KP chief minister. He added that federal support for the province remains available.
He highlighted youth engagement initiatives, especially in technology and skills development. He stressed that national progress depends on equal provincial development. He also noted that despite adequate resource allocation, development outcomes vary.
The prime minister concluded by urging reflection and accountability. He said Pakistan’s future depends on security, cooperation, and responsible governance across all regions.
