Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan is ready for dialogue with Afghanistan. A 48-hour temporary ceasefire is in effect between the two countries. Sharif expressed hope that this ceasefire would aid in finding a permanent solution and rebuilding trust.
World Update: Amidst escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, hopes for a diplomatic path have emerged. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (Shehbaz Sharif) said on Thursday that Islamabad is ready for dialogue with Afghanistan, but this will only be possible if Kabul accepts Pakistan's "reasonable conditions." A 48-hour ceasefire is currently in effect between the two countries, which has provided temporary relief, but the path to a permanent solution is still considered difficult.
Pakistan's Softened Stance Amidst Border Tensions
Violent clashes had been ongoing for the past few days along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The exchange of fire between the armies of both countries resulted in several casualties. This situation had once again plunged the relations between the two nations into crisis.
However, Pakistan's Prime Minister has now, for the first time, shown a softened stance and suggested the path of dialogue. Shehbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan always desires peace and that dialogue is the best solution for all disputes.
He said in his statement that if Afghanistan accepts Pakistan's conditions following the recent cross-border hostilities, then steps towards a permanent solution between the two countries can be advanced.
Decision Taken at Cabinet Meeting
Shehbaz Sharif made this statement on Thursday during his central cabinet meeting. He said that the government does not want to escalate the conflict with Afghanistan further. “The most important thing for us is peace and mutual respect at the border,” he stated.
Agreement on Temporary Ceasefire
After the clashes on the border between the two countries, the situation was spiraling out of control. Amidst this, a temporary ceasefire was agreed upon between Pakistan and Afghanistan on Wednesday. This ceasefire came into effect on October 15 at 6 PM and will last for 48 hours.
This agreement was reached through the mediation of the Taliban and the mutual consent of both parties. Pakistan stated that this step is a positive initiative towards bringing stability to the region and reducing tension.
“The Ball is Now in Their Court” – Shehbaz Sharif
Shehbaz Sharif stated in his declaration that Pakistan has initiated a peace effort from its side. He said, “We have decided on a 48-hour temporary ceasefire. The ball is now in their court. If Afghanistan wishes to fulfill our reasonable conditions through dialogue, we are ready.”
Shehbaz Sharif's Hope for a “Permanent Solution”
Pakistan's Prime Minister expressed hope that this temporary ceasefire would initiate a trust-building process between the two countries. He stated that Pakistan is ready for any permanent solution, provided Afghanistan demonstrates seriousness and sincerity.
According to a report by Dawn newspaper, Shehbaz Sharif said, “If the Afghan side is honest and serious, it will initiate dialogue. Pakistan's allied countries, especially Qatar, are playing a crucial role in improving this situation.”
He also stated that Pakistan wants Afghanistan not to allow its soil to be used by any terrorist organization. Shehbaz also spoke about eliminating extremist elements like ‘Fitna al-Khawarij’.
Trust in the Role of Neighboring Countries
Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged that several of Pakistan's allied countries are helping in the current situation. Pakistan is in continuous talks with nations like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates to de-escalate border tensions.
He stated that Qatar's mediation made the temporary ceasefire possible. Additionally, Pakistan hopes this cooperation will continue in the future to achieve a permanent peace agreement between the two countries.
Shehbaz Sharif Also Spoke on Palestine
In his address, Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan's long-standing policy on the issue of Palestine. He stated that Pakistan has always stood with the Palestinians and will continue to do so. He clearly said that “Palestinians should get their separate state.”
He praised the efforts of Middle Eastern countries in this direction and said that the contributions of US President Donald Trump and all Muslim countries, especially Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia, and the UAE, cannot be overlooked.
