ASHGABAT, Dec 12 (Alliance News): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful dispute resolution as he urged the international community to press the Afghan Taliban to honour their global obligations and curb terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil.
Addressing an international forum marking the International Year of Peace and Trust 2025, the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality, the prime minister called for renewed global cooperation to safeguard peace amid mounting regional and international challenges.
The prime minister said the peaceful settlement of disputes has long been a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy, a principle reflected in the country’s support for the Gaza Peace Plan and its endorsement by the UN Security Council.
He noted that Pakistan began the year by assuming its seat as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, where the country is working actively to strengthen global peace and stability.
While underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to diplomacy, the prime minister warned that terrorism was once again resurfacing and that Afghan territory was being used by certain groups to carry out violent acts.
He urged the international community to hold the Afghan Taliban accountable to their international commitments and ensure that their soil is not used for cross-border militancy. This appeal, he stressed, was essential for regional security and long-term stability.
Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed gratitude to Qatar, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Iran for their continuous diplomatic efforts toward securing a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
He said the recent unanimous adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2788 reflected growing global consensus on resolving long-standing conflicts, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s belief in a peaceful settlement of disputes.
He expressed hope that the combined efforts of the eight Arab Islamic countries would not only help secure a lasting ceasefire but also ensure urgent humanitarian relief and the reconstruction of Gaza.
Reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering support for the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people and the Kashmiri people, the prime minister said justice and human rights were essential components of global peace.
He added that true and durable peace was closely linked with sustainable development, and that Pakistan remained committed to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
He emphasised that socioeconomic development and public welfare were priorities of his government, with significant progress made recently in financial inclusion, women’s participation in the economy and efforts to empower marginalised communities.
Highlighting Pakistan’s climate vulnerabilities, the prime minister recalled the devastating floods of 2023 and the continuing climate-induced disasters affecting the country.
He emphasized that climate change, inequality and poverty were interconnected challenges requiring global solutions, rooted in shared responsibility and collective action.
He also called for equitable access to advanced technologies, particularly digital tools, which he described as essential for development in the modern era.
In his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz appealed to world leaders to treat the forum as a call for a new paradigm of international relations—one that abandons zero-sum politics and embraces mutual cooperation.
He urged nations to view connectivity as not merely a means for transporting goods but as a bridge for bringing people, ideas and prosperity closer together.
Earlier, the prime minister congratulated the leadership of Turkmenistan on the 30th anniversary of its permanent neutrality and commended the country’s successful initiative to have 2025 declared by the United Nations as the International Year of Peace and Trust.
He said Pakistan firmly supports all efforts to strengthen dialogue, multilateralism and global harmony.
