Peshawar: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Afghanistan must make a clear decision on whether it wants to live peacefully, emphasizing that regional peace and stability depend on responsible choices by all neighboring countries. He stressed that Pakistan has borne immense human and economic costs due to terrorism and will continue to prioritize national security and regional stability.
Addressing participants at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Security Workshop in Peshawar, the prime minister said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has made unparalleled sacrifices in the war against terrorism. He acknowledged the resilience of the people of the province, stating that they have suffered immensely but have stood firm in support of the state. “The sacrifices of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the fight against terrorism are unmatched and will always be remembered,” he said.
Shehbaz Sharif noted that the federal government is taking concrete and practical steps to further improve the law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He underlined that the establishment of sustainable and lasting peace in the province has now become unavoidable. According to the prime minister, peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is not only vital for the province itself but is also essential for Pakistan’s overall stability and development.
The prime minister reiterated that national security remains the top priority of his government. He said that a comprehensive strategy is being adopted to counter both internal and external security challenges. Praising the sacrifices of Pakistan’s security forces, he said that their courage and dedication in the fight against terrorism deserve the highest appreciation. “The state is fully determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism from its roots, and this goal can only be achieved through unity and collective resolve,” he added.
Highlighting the importance of national cohesion, Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan’s progress cannot be measured by the development of one province alone. “If Punjab progresses while other provinces lag behind, that cannot be called Pakistan’s development,” he said. He emphasized that the country will only move forward when all provinces develop equally and benefit from national resources.
The prime minister pointed out that Punjab has extended significant financial support to other provinces in the spirit of national solidarity. He revealed that Punjab has provided Rs100 billion from its own share to Balochistan. In addition, the federal government is funding the construction of an important road project in Balochistan, while Rs40 billion have been allocated by the federation for solar tube-well projects in the province to support farmers and address energy issues.
Shehbaz Sharif further stated that to help Khyber Pakhtunkhwa combat terrorism, other provinces have contributed a total of Rs800 billion from their respective shares. He said this collective effort reflects national unity and a shared commitment to peace and stability. Referring to history, the prime minister recalled that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had voted in favor of joining Pakistan in the referendum, highlighting their enduring connection and loyalty to the country.
Speaking on national defense and regional security, the prime minister said that Pakistan achieved success in a war against India under the leadership of a field marshal, claiming that seven Indian aircraft were shot down during last year’s conflict. He added that today the green Pakistani passport is viewed with greater respect internationally, reflecting Pakistan’s improved global standing.
Shehbaz Sharif also spoke about Pakistan’s economic trajectory, saying that the country is moving forward rapidly on the path of economic development. He said that the government aims to further accelerate the growth rate and strengthen the economy. “Pakistan is becoming economically stronger day by day, and as a result, the country’s dignity and stature are rising across the world,” he said.
Turning his attention to Afghanistan, the prime minister said that Pakistan has hosted and supported around four million Afghan refugees over the years, demonstrating generosity and hospitality despite its own economic challenges. He stressed that now it is time for Afghanistan to decide whether it wants to coexist peacefully with its neighbors. “Afghanistan must determine whether it wishes to live in peace,” he said.
Addressing the Afghan interim government, Shehbaz Sharif urged it to show compassion toward its own people. He said that protecting Afghan youth from falling into extremism and guiding them toward positive and constructive paths is the need of the hour. According to him, regional peace cannot be achieved unless Afghan soil is not used for activities that destabilize neighboring countries.
In his address, the prime minister also shared a personal political remark, saying that he had called the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to congratulate him on assuming office. He added that the chief minister had thanked him, but there had been no further contact afterward.
