LONDON: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reiterated his call for the interim government in Kabul to take decisive action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil and targeting Pakistan. Speaking to the media outside Avenfield flats in London after meeting PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, the prime minister emphasized that under the Doha agreement, Afghan soil must not be used against Pakistan and its interests.
"Afghanistan is our brotherly nation and a natural neighbour. We must live like good neighbours, and that requires respect for each other’s sovereignty," PM Shehbaz said. He stressed that terrorist groups such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) continue to operate from Afghan territory and are responsible for attacks that have claimed innocent lives inside Pakistan. “These sacrifices of Pakistani people will not go in vain,” he stated, urging Kabul to rein in such elements.
The PM’s remarks came during his visit to meet Nawaz Sharif, who is currently in London for two weeks. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also joined the meeting, which was followed by a lunch in the city’s Park Lane area.
Shehbaz Sharif also spoke about his recent official visit to Belarus, calling it productive and full of potential for bilateral cooperation. “We had a great discussion with the Belarusian leadership. Pakistan can greatly benefit from their expertise, especially in agriculture and mining,” he said, highlighting Pakistan’s untapped mineral resources and Belarus’s advanced machinery in that sector. He added that an understanding had been reached to provide job opportunities for up to 150,000 skilled Pakistani workers in Belarus.
Referring to development progress, the premier said that the former “Punjab Speed” has now become “Supreme Pakistan Speed.” “We are working under the leadership and vision of Nawaz Sharif. This is a new, progressive Pakistan. We have saved it from economic default, and we will continue working for its betterment,” he said.
The prime minister also expressed hope for the success of the ongoing Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad, calling it a "historic event" that will yield significant benefits for expatriate Pakistanis.
PM Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy PM Ishaq Dar are scheduled to return to Pakistan from London on Monday morning.
