New York (GNP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has warned that Pakistan would give a befitting response to any terrorist attack from Afghanistan, condemning continuing terrorist attacks launched from Afghan territory.
He made the remarks during media talks in New York, answering questions on cross-border terrorism after meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
Responding to a question on the security situation, Sharif condemned continuing terrorist attacks in Pakistan and said terrorists operating from Afghan territory were responsible for the rising violence.
He said Pakistan would not relent until the curse of terrorism was eliminated, making clear that attacks against Pakistani security personnel would receive a strong response.
The prime minister reiterated that Pakistan remained committed to regional peace while protecting its national security and sovereignty.
Alongside his remarks on Afghanistan, Sharif said he had held a successful meeting with the Iranian president, in which Tehran once again endorsed the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, backing Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions and advance peace through dialogue.
He described the talks as successful, saying the Iranian leadership viewed the Islamabad MoU as an acceptable framework for pursuing de-escalation, with Pezeshkian reaffirming Iran’s willingness to support efforts to reduce regional tensions.
Sharif said Pakistan’s political and military leadership was working in close coordination with regional partners to accelerate implementation of the Islamabad MoU and advance a peaceful resolution of outstanding regional issues.
He said Islamabad was also engaging friendly countries to help contain tensions and prevent further provocations around the Bab al-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz, both strategically important waterways for regional stability and international trade.
The prime minister added that Pezeshkian had stressed the importance of de-escalation and collective efforts by regional countries to restore peace and stability.
Describing Iran as a friendly, neighbouring and brotherly country, Sharif said Pakistan would continue using diplomatic channels to promote peace and prevent further escalation in the region.
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He also highlighted coordination between Pakistan’s political and military leadership, saying their joint approach had contributed to recent diplomatic progress and would continue supporting efforts to strengthen the country’s economic stability.
Pakistan has served as the key mediator between the US and Iran since helping secure a ceasefire on 8 April, later hosting high-level US and Iranian delegations for talks in Islamabad on 12 and 13 April.
Under the Islamabad MoU, Iran and the United States committed to halt military operations, reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, and negotiate a comprehensive agreement covering Iran’s nuclear programme, US sanctions and a permanent ceasefire within 60 days.
Pakistan and Qatar later co-mediated the first round of high-level talks in Lucerne, Switzerland, on 21 June, attended by US Vice President Vance and Iran’s chief negotiator Ghalibaf.
Shehbaz Sharif said, “Pakistan will not relent until the curse of terrorism is eliminated.”
Managing Editor at Global News Pakistan (GNP), with a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Riphah International University, graduated with a Gold Medal. Reach out at sabahtareengnp@gmail.com
