Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the need to resolve disputes peacefully through dialogue and diplomacy, and warned the world about the new terror threat emanating from Afghan soil, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said this while addressing the 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 in Ashgabat.
PM Shehbaz said peaceful resolution of disputes is a cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy. He said Pakistan supported Gaza peace plan and its subsequent endorsement by the UN Security Council.
He hoped the ongoing peace efforts in the Middle East will ultimately protect and save the lives of innocent Palestinians by ensuring a permanent and lasting ceasefire, allow the flow of critical humanitarian aid and help in reconstruction of Gaza.
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan has been and shall continue to support all efforts aimed at upholding the inalienable right to self-determination of Palestinian people as well as the brave and resilient Kashmiri people.
Alluding to the menace of terrorism, the Prime Minister called upon the international community to urge the Afghan Taliban regime to fulfil its international obligations and commitments and rein in terror elements operating from its territory.
Shehbaz Sharif said the pursuit of lasting peace is intrinsically linked to the path of sustainable development. In this regard, the 2030 agenda for sustainable development presents a universal blueprint for a better and peaceful world, he added.
He said socio-economic development and welfare of the people is his government’s foremost priority. “We have made significant strides in several key areas including by advancing financial inclusion and bringing the women and the marginalized into the economic mainstream,” he added.
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan has demonstrated its strong commitment to undertake cleaner and greener solutions in the face of global warming. He said we have set a global example in eco-system restoration. However, he said like developing countries, our quest for sustainable development is facing the headwinds of climate-induced disasters and inequities in international economic relations.
Describing climate change, poverty and inequality as transnational threats, the Prime Minister said these challenges demand international solutions built on the foundation of shared responsibility and unity of purpose. He emphasized that access to advanced technologies especially digital technologies must also be equitable and without any kind of discrimination.
The Prime Minister called for investments in connectivity projects, not just as conduits for the transportation of goods, but as bridges for peoples, ideas and prosperity. He emphasized that the international community must chart a common course toward a future defined by peace, mutual trust and shared prosperity.
Visit to Neutrality Monument
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday joined the leaders from various countries at the iconic Neutrality Monument, to lay a wreath in commemoration of the International Day of Neutrality and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality.
At the invitation of Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the prime minister is on a two-day official visit to Ashgabat to attend the international forum being held in connection with the International Year of Peace and Trust 2025, the International Day of Neutrality, and the anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality.
Besides Prime Minister Shehbaz, Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedow, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev were also among the leaders besides the representatives of the United Nations and other international organisations who laid wreath at the monument.
As the leaders arrived at the venue host President Serdar Berdimuhamedow warmly received them.
Designed as a trio of ascending pillars, the monument weaves together the cultural fabric of the nation and stands as a powerful symbol of the nation’s commitment to peace, humanism, and constructive diplomacy.
PM holds talks with Turkmen president
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan's desire to enhance connectivity with Turkmenistan through land and sea routes.
He was speaking at a meeting with Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in Ashgabat.
The Prime Minister said Karachi and Gwadar ports are ideally located to be utilized by the Turkmen side to enhance their outreach to South Asia and beyond.
During their warm and cordial meeting, the Prime Minister congratulated the Turkmen President on the 30th anniversary of Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan and on the UN designation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust.
While underscoring the importance of the historic and fraternal relations between Pakistan and Turkmenistan, Shehbaz Sharif expressed his resolve to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries, particularly through enhanced trade and economic engagement.
The Prime Minister conveyed his deepest gratitude to the Turkmen leadership and government for the support extended to safely evacuate Pakistani nationals from Iran during the Iran-Israel war earlier this year.
While thanking the Turkmen President for the gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation by the Turkmen side, the Prime Minister conveyed his warm wishes for National Leader of Turkmen People Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and reiterated his most cordial invitation to him as well as to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to undertake official visits to Pakistan next year, on mutually convenient dates, to be worked out by the two sides.
The Turkmen President thanked the Prime Minister for his visit and participating in the International Forum on Peace and Trust and assured that Turkmenistan is also keen to enhance its bilateral cooperation with Pakistan across multiple areas of mutual interest.
Earlier today, the Prime Minister arrived in Ashgabat on a two-day official visit to Turkmenistan to participate in the International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust (2025), International Day of Neutrality and the 30th anniversary of the Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan.