ISLAMABAD — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday acknowledged Turkiye’s “constructive role” in promoting peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan, particularly in light of the recently announced temporary ceasefire between the two neighbors ahead of Eid.
Pakistan and Afghanistan on Wednesday announced a temporary pause in hostilities, marking a rare de-escalation following days of heightened cross-border tensions. The ceasefire, announced separately by Islamabad and Kabul, will remain in effect from midnight March 18/19 until midnight March 23/24, with both sides warning that any violation could trigger an immediate resumption of military operations.
Mediation Efforts
The halt in fighting was achieved as a result of mediation by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkiye, according to official sources.
A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said PM Shehbaz and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan during a telephone conversation.
“The prime minister acknowledged Turkiye’s constructive role in promoting peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan and particularly with regard to the recently announced temporary ceasefire during the Eid period.”
Solidarity with Turkiye
PM Shehbaz expressed solidarity with the Turkish nation amid recent missile attacks during the conflict in the Middle East, condemning the escalation of regional tensions.
“The entire Pakistani nation stands with our Turkish brothers and sisters during these difficult times,” the prime minister said.
Both leaders agreed that a resolution to the regional situation is only possible through negotiations and diplomacy, rather than continued military escalation.
Eid Greetings and Prayers
The premier conveyed his warm wishes to President Erdogan, his family, and the people of Turkiye ahead of Eid, with the two leaders praying for peace, unity, and prosperity for the Muslim community.
The prime minister said both countries continued to closely cooperate to strengthen ties across all sectors of mutual interest. The leaders also agreed to maintain close contact to further enhance bilateral relations and regional cooperation.
In a post on X, PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast solidarity with Turkiye, as well as with other brotherly Gulf countries, and conveyed his readiness to support efforts aimed at de-escalation and dialogue.
Conversation with Jordan’s King
Separately, PM Shehbaz conveyed warm Eid greetings to King Abdullah II, the royal family, and the people of Jordan during a telephone conversation, while condemning recent attacks on the country.
In a statement posted on his official X account, the prime minister said he discussed the evolving situation in the Middle East with King Abdullah II. He strongly condemned the attacks on Jordan and expressed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the Jordanian people.
“We agreed on the urgent need for restraint, de-escalation, and dialogue to restore peace,” he added.
The prime minister also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties with Jordan across all areas of mutual interest.
International Welcome
Turkiye and the United Nations welcomed the temporary ceasefire announced by Pakistan and Afghanistan for Eid.
“Based on this decision, we hope that the ceasefire will be observed and pave the way for a process whereby lasting peace and prosperity will be provided to the peoples of Afghanistan and Pakistan,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
“That’s a welcome development,” UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said, expressing hope that the suspension during Eid would be extended.
Background of Tensions
Pakistan has long accused the Afghan Taliban of providing sanctuary to terrorist leaders and fighters, who regrouped across the border following Pakistan’s military operations in the former tribal areas. While the Taliban have publicly denied giving the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) free rein, Islamabad maintains that TTP safe havens in Afghanistan remain intact.
Tensions escalated last year after a series of deadly attacks in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, which Pakistan directly linked to militants operating from Afghanistan.
Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil Haq last month following renewed clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, after Afghan Taliban forces fired on multiple locations, prompting swift military retaliation.
The neighboring countries were engaged in escalating hostilities along the frontier since then. The clashes intensified after Afghanistan launched a border offensive in response to Pakistani air strikes targeting terrorist positions.
