Pakistan seeks friendly ties with Afghanistan but won’t tolerate terror sanctuaries: PM Azad News HD
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Reaffirms Brotherhood with Afghanistan but Draws a Firm Line on Terrorism
| October 2025
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed that Pakistan does not consider Afghanistan an enemy nation, describing Afghans as “brothers” with whom Pakistan shares deep historical, religious, and cultural ties. However, he issued a clear and uncompromising warning: Pakistan cannot and will not allow terrorist groups to use its neighbor’s soil as a launching pad for attacks on its people.
The remarks came amid heightened tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, following a series of cross-border assaults by militants allegedly operating from Afghan territory. Addressing a gathering in Islamabad on Saturday, the Prime Minister’s tone was balanced yet resolute — an attempt to maintain diplomatic courtesy while signaling that Pakistan’s patience with continued provocations has its limits.
“Afghanistan is not our enemy. Afghans are our brothers in faith and history,” the Prime Minister said. “But friendship and brotherhood cannot mean tolerating terrorism. Pakistan will defend its sovereignty and its citizens, no matter the cost.”
His statement encapsulated Pakistan’s dual approach toward Afghanistan — one of goodwill and cooperation, paired with firmness and self-defense.
A Message of Brotherhood Amid Rising Friction
Shehbaz Sharif’s declaration arrives at a sensitive juncture in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. Over the past months, a series of violent incidents — including unprovoked cross-border attacks, infiltration attempts, and militant ambushes — have eroded the trust that once underpinned Islamabad’s cautious optimism toward Kabul’s Taliban-led regime.
The Prime Minister’s message, therefore, served as both a reassurance and a warning. Reassurance that Pakistan still believes in peaceful coexistence, and a warning that terrorism has crossed all red lines.
He emphasized that Pakistan has consistently supported Afghanistan’s stability, hosting millions of Afghan refugees for decades, facilitating humanitarian aid, and advocating for the country’s international recognition.
“No other nation has stood by Afghanistan as Pakistan has,” Shehbaz said. “But when our soldiers and civilians are targeted from across the border, we must act. We cannot let our kindness be mistaken for weakness.”
Historical Ties: A Relationship Built on Faith and Geography
Few countries share as deep and complex a connection as Pakistan and Afghanistan. The two neighbors are bound by Islamic faith, Pashtun tribal kinship, language, trade, and geography. Since Pakistan’s creation in 1947, Afghanistan was among the first nations to engage with its new neighbor, although differences over the Durand Line soon complicated the relationship.
During the 1980s, Pakistan became Afghanistan’s lifeline during the Soviet invasion, hosting over three million refugees and providing logistical support to the Mujahideen resistance. The shared struggle against a foreign occupier forged bonds that endure in the popular imagination of both nations.
After the Taliban seized control of Kabul in 2021, Pakistan again hoped for a stable and friendly neighbor, believing that shared religious ideology might facilitate cooperation on security and trade. Yet, that optimism has waned amid an upsurge in terrorism inside Pakistan, most of it traced back to Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) sanctuaries operating inside Afghan territory.
The TTP Question: Pakistan’s Core Concern
The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan remains the single biggest irritant in bilateral relations. Islamabad has repeatedly shared intelligence with the Taliban administration, demonstrating that TTP leaders — including Noor Wali Mehsud and his deputies — operate freely in Kunar, Khost, and Nangarhar provinces. Despite promises of restraint, the TTP continues to launch deadly attacks on Pakistani soil.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his latest statement, made it clear that Pakistan’s goodwill should not be exploited.
“We cannot look the other way when terrorists murder our soldiers and our children. Friendship requires responsibility, not denial,” he asserted.
Security officials confirm that Pakistan has documented over 180 cross-border attacks in 2025 alone, killing dozens of security personnel and civilians. These assaults have hardened Islamabad’s stance, compelling the military to conduct precision counter-terror operations near the frontier.
While the government maintains a diplomatic tone, the message is unambiguous: Pakistan will engage Afghanistan politically but will confront terrorism militarily.
Balancing Diplomacy and Deterrence
Prime Minister Shehbaz’s tone reflects Pakistan’s delicate balancing act. On one hand, Islamabad recognizes the Taliban regime as the de facto authority in Afghanistan and desires stable relations for regional trade and border management. On the other, it faces relentless security challenges emanating from that very territory.
To navigate this dual reality, the government has adopted what officials describe as a “comprehensive deterrence policy.” The policy combines:
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Military readiness — swift and proportional responses to cross-border aggression.
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Diplomatic engagement — continued dialogue through bilateral and multilateral forums.
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Economic leverage — controlled trade and border management mechanisms to influence cooperation.
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Humanitarian coordination — ensuring that civilians on both sides are not victimized by political rifts.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, echoing the Prime Minister’s stance, said in a televised interview:
“Our policy is clear: respect for Afghanistan’s sovereignty, but zero tolerance for terrorism. The two are not contradictory — they are complementary principles.”
Shehbaz Sharif’s Vision for Regional Peace
Unlike hawkish narratives that often dominate regional politics, Shehbaz Sharif has positioned himself as a proponent of reconciliation and dialogue. He envisions South and Central Asia as interconnected economic zones, with Pakistan and Afghanistan serving as bridges, not battlefields.
In recent months, his government has reactivated multiple joint committees to discuss border trade, transport, and energy corridors — particularly the proposed TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) gas pipeline and CPEC extensions into Central Asia.
“Afghanistan’s prosperity is Pakistan’s prosperity,” the Prime Minister said. “Our destinies are linked by geography and faith. We want Afghan children to go to schools, not training camps.”
Yet, he also acknowledged that these dreams cannot materialize unless terrorist infrastructure is dismantled. Economic cooperation and peace are inseparable from security.
Kabul’s Response: Denial and Diplomacy
The Taliban administration in Kabul, led by Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, responded cautiously to Shehbaz’s remarks. Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid welcomed the Prime Minister’s statement on brotherhood but rejected allegations of harboring anti-Pakistan militants.
“The Islamic Emirate does not allow anyone to use Afghan soil against its neighbors,” Mujahid stated, insisting that the TTP issue is “Pakistan’s internal matter.”
Islamabad, however, remains unconvinced. Officials argue that words must be matched by action. The persistence of TTP bases, their open movement across border provinces, and their public recruitment drives within Afghanistan suggest that Kabul’s control over extremist factions remains fragmented and inconsistent.
Border Dynamics: The Human Cost of Insecurity
Amid the political rhetoric and military posturing, ordinary citizens on both sides of the border continue to suffer. Regions such as Kurram, Chaman, and North Waziristan witness frequent closures, disrupting livelihoods, trade, and family ties.
The border fencing project, initiated by Pakistan to regulate crossings, has been met with resistance from Afghan locals, many of whom have families divided by the Durand Line. Each incident of cross-border firing brings displacement, economic hardship, and trauma to communities already burdened by decades of war.
The Pakistani government, under Shehbaz Sharif’s directive, has increased funding for relief operations and established rapid-response cells to provide assistance to displaced families. The Prime Minister’s office has also instructed local administrations to compensate property losses caused by militant shelling and provide education continuity programs for children affected by violence.
Pakistan’s International Outreach
Recognizing the regional implications of Afghanistan’s instability, Shehbaz Sharif has embarked on a diplomatic campaign to mobilize international consensus on counterterrorism. Pakistan has briefed China, Iran, Turkey, and Central Asian states about its security concerns, emphasizing the need for a joint mechanism to prevent militancy from spilling across borders.
China, as part of its Belt and Road Initiative, has a vested interest in regional stability and has expressed support for Pakistan’s call for “responsible behavior” from all neighbors. Similarly, Iran has urged both countries to avoid escalation, highlighting the potential humanitarian fallout of any prolonged confrontation.
Western nations, particularly the United States and European Union, have also echoed concerns over the Taliban’s failure to rein in terrorist outfits. While they maintain limited engagement with Kabul, they increasingly view Pakistan as a key stabilizing actor in the region.
Domestic Consensus: Unity on National Security
In an environment where political polarization often dominates headlines, Shehbaz Sharif’s position on Afghanistan has garnered rare bipartisan support. Opposition leaders, including those from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), have endorsed the government’s stance that terrorism must be confronted collectively.
Public sentiment echoes this consensus. Social media platforms are filled with messages supporting the military and urging peace with dignity. Hashtags like #NoToTerror, #PeaceWithStrength, and #PakistanFirst trend frequently, illustrating the population’s fatigue with endless conflict but resolute defense of sovereignty.
Political commentators note that this alignment between the government, opposition, and military on a core national security issue could strengthen Pakistan’s internal coherence — something the country has often lacked during previous regional crises.
Economic Considerations: Peace as a Prerequisite for Prosperity
Shehbaz Sharif’s government faces a challenging economic environment — inflation, fiscal constraints, and the need for foreign investment. For Pakistan, peace with Afghanistan is not just a diplomatic ideal but an economic necessity.
Trade with Afghanistan historically surpasses $2.5 billion annually, supporting thousands of livelihoods on both sides. However, recurring border closures, insurgent activity, and mutual distrust have reduced this figure sharply. Smuggling and informal trade have surged, depriving both governments of revenue.
By stabilizing the frontier and establishing formal trade corridors, Pakistan could revitalize border economies, attract regional logistics investments, and position itself as a gateway to Central Asia.
Economic experts believe that security and prosperity are intertwined — peace on the western border could free resources currently devoted to defense, enabling Pakistan to focus on industrial growth, energy cooperation, and regional connectivity.
The Afghan Refugee Dilemma
Another critical dimension of Shehbaz Sharif’s policy is the management of Afghan refugees. Pakistan continues to host over 1.3 million registered and approximately 800,000 unregistered Afghan nationals. While Islamabad remains committed to humanitarian principles, concerns have risen about refugee involvement in illegal activities or terrorist facilitation networks.
The government has launched a nationwide verification drive under the Interior Ministry to differentiate legitimate refugees from undocumented residents. The policy, officials insist, is not anti-Afghan but pro-security.
“Those who respect our laws are welcome; those who abuse our hospitality must leave,” Shehbaz clarified during his address.
At the same time, Pakistan has appealed to international donors and the UNHCR to share the burden, arguing that decades of unassisted refugee hosting have strained national infrastructure and public services.
Regional and Global Stakes
The stakes extend far beyond bilateral ties. The Pakistan-Afghanistan equation influences the entire Eurasian security landscape — from China’s western provinces to Iran’s eastern borders. Continued instability risks empowering extremist networks that threaten Central Asia and the broader Middle East.
For Pakistan, maintaining a strong but measured posture is essential to avoid international isolation while asserting its legitimate right to self-defense. Shehbaz Sharif’s articulation of “brotherhood with boundaries” captures this balance succinctly.
“We seek friendship, not submission; cooperation, not chaos,” the Prime Minister said. “Afghanistan must choose peace, and we will walk with them every step of the way.”
Shehbaz Sharif’s Leadership Philosophy
Observers note that Shehbaz’s approach differs from the overtly militarized rhetoric of past leaders. Known for his administrative discipline and pragmatic diplomacy, Shehbaz favors quiet negotiations and incremental progress over grand gestures. His statement on Afghanistan reflects that philosophy — conciliatory in language but anchored in national interest.
Analysts see this as part of a broader strategy to rebuild Pakistan’s international credibility after years of political turbulence. By projecting Pakistan as peace-seeking yet principled, Shehbaz aims to attract global confidence, necessary for economic recovery and foreign partnerships.
His government’s engagement with Gulf states, China, and Turkey demonstrates an effort to integrate security, trade, and diplomacy into a single coherent policy — one that positions Pakistan as a regional stabilizer, not a spoiler.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the clarity of Pakistan’s position, formidable challenges remain. The Taliban government’s internal divisions, coupled with the rise of ISIS-K in eastern Afghanistan, complicate Islamabad’s efforts to secure its borders. Militant networks often shift allegiances, making them difficult to track and neutralize.
Additionally, tribal dynamics and smuggling economies along the border resist central control. Any Pakistani military response, no matter how precise, risks civilian displacement and international criticism. Hence, balancing military action with humanitarian restraint will test Islamabad’s strategic finesse.
A Test of Brotherhood
Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks ultimately pose a moral and political test for Kabul. If Afghanistan truly considers Pakistan a brotherly nation, then it must prove that brotherhood through action — by dismantling terror infrastructure, cooperating on intelligence, and respecting border protocols.
For Pakistan, the test lies in maintaining discipline and consistency: engaging without appeasing, defending without escalating, and protecting without alienating. The Prime Minister’s words echo a philosophy of firm friendship — peace through mutual respect, not through silence in the face of aggression.
Conclusion: Peace, Strength, and the Promise of a Shared Future
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s declaration that “Afghanistan is not our enemy” is more than diplomatic rhetoric — it’s a statement of Pakistan’s long-term strategic vision. It recognizes the inseparable destinies of two nations linked by faith, history, and geography, while asserting that sovereignty and security are non-negotiable.
By calling Afghans brothers yet condemning terrorism unequivocally, Shehbaz has drawn a moral boundary that defines Pakistan’s future engagement: brotherhood does not mean blindness.
The road ahead is fraught with complexities — border management, refugee issues, militant threats, and economic interdependence. But Pakistan’s policy now rests on a simple equation: peace with respect, cooperation with responsibility, and friendship without fear.
In reaffirming this balance, Shehbaz Sharif has projected Pakistan not as a passive victim of regional turbulence but as a confident nation determined to defend its people and extend its hand in peace. The message resonates across mountains and borders: Pakistan desires amity, not animosity — but if provoked, it will respond with the unity, resolve, and dignity befitting a sovereign state.
