Ashgabat, December 12,2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday called on the international community to urge Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities to honour their international obligations and curb terrorist groups operating from its soil.
Addressing an international forum in Ashgabat commemorating the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, the prime minister warned that terrorism continued to threaten regional stability. The event was attended by several world leaders, including the presidents of Russia and Türkiye.
“We need the international community to urge the Afghan Taliban regime to fulfil its international obligations and commitments and rein in terrorists operating from its territory,” PM Shehbaz said.
The premier thanked Qatar, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Iran and the UAE for facilitating a ceasefire between Islamabad and Kabul but cautioned that the truce remained “fragile”.
Highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to diplomacy, the prime minister said the UN Security Council’s adoption of Resolution 2788 earlier this year — which Pakistan sponsored — was a “strong endorsement” of peaceful dispute settlement.
Turning to the Gaza conflict, PM Shehbaz expressed hope that ongoing mediation efforts would pave the way for a lasting ceasefire and ensure a steady flow of humanitarian aid. Pakistan, he stressed, would continue supporting the Palestinian and Kashmiri peoples’ right to self-determination.
PM Shehbaz said sustainable development and peace were intrinsically linked, reiterating that socio-economic welfare remained his government’s top priority. He outlined Pakistan’s progress in financial inclusion and women’s economic empowerment.
On climate change, the premier said Pakistan was pursuing cleaner and greener development pathways, but warned that climate-induced disasters and unequal global economic structures were hindering progress. He pointed to devastating floods in recent years, adding that climate change, poverty and inequality were “transnational challenges requiring shared responsibility, access to advanced technology and equitable solutions”.
He urged global leaders to replace “zero-sum mindsets” with cooperation, investment in connectivity, and adherence to the UN Charter.
PM Shehbaz meets President Erdogan, regional leaders
On the sidelines of the forum, PM Shehbaz held a “warm and cordial” meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, reaffirming the “historic and fraternal” ties between the two nations, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in political, economic, energy, defence and investment sectors. The prime minister welcomed Turkish interest in Pakistan’s energy and mineral sectors and called for swift implementation of recently signed MoUs. He also expressed Pakistan’s desire to draw on Turkish expertise in the privatisation of distribution companies.
Both leaders exchanged views on regional developments, with PM Shehbaz appreciating Erdogan’s “bold leadership” on peace efforts in Gaza. He also thanked Türkiye for its role in facilitating talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan but stressed that lasting peace required Islamabad’s security concerns to be addressed.
PM Shehbaz also held informal interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov.
Dar engages in talks with regional counterparts
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi, with both sides agreeing to deepen cooperation in trade, connectivity and people-to-people ties.
Dar also held meetings with the foreign ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, Oman, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, where regional developments and bilateral cooperation were discussed. The sides reaffirmed commitments to strengthen partnerships across economic, political and connectivity sectors.
Engagements with Turkmen leadership
Earlier, PM Shehbaz and other leaders visited the Monument of Neutrality in Ashgabat for a wreath-laying ceremony. The premier also met Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, congratulating him on the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality and the UN’s designation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing trade and connectivity with Turkmenistan via land and sea routes. The prime minister said he looked forward to welcoming President Berdimuhamedov and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to Pakistan next year.
