Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed concern over the use of Afghan territory for launching terrorist attacks against Pakistan, urging the Afghan interim government to take decisive action against militant groups operating from its soil.
Speaking to reporters outside the Avenfield flats in London, where he met with PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, the premier emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence between the two neighbouring countries. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar was also present at the meeting, which was followed by a lunch gathering.
“Afghanistan is our brotherly nation. We are natural neighbours and must learn to live in peace and harmony,” the prime minister said. “We have repeatedly urged the Afghan authorities not to allow their land to be used against Pakistan, in line with the Doha agreement.”
He lamented the presence of terrorist outfits such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other groups in Afghanistan, stating, “These groups have killed innocent Pakistanis. Our sacrifices will not go in vain. My sincere advice to the Afghan government is to restrain these terrorist elements.”
Shehbaz Sharif also shared insights from his recent visit to Belarus, where he met with Belarusian leadership to explore cooperation in agriculture and mineral development. “Pakistan is rich in mineral resources, and Belarus has advanced machinery in this sector. We visited a factory and discussed how we can collaborate. We’re hopeful about creating job opportunities for up to 150,000 skilled Pakistani workers in Belarus,” he noted.
When asked about the phrase “Punjab speed,” he responded, “That was for Punjab; now it’s ‘supreme Pakistan speed’. Under Nawaz Sharif’s leadership, we’re building a new, forward-moving Pakistan. We’ve saved the country from economic collapse, and the prayers of the people are behind this progress.”
He also expressed optimism about the ongoing Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad. “It’s already underway and promises to be a historic gathering. Overseas Pakistanis will greatly benefit from it,” he said.
The prime minister and Deputy PM Ishaq Dar are scheduled to return to Pakistan on Monday morning.
