By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, on Saturday that his country was committed to peace in Afghanistan but continued to grapple with cross-border terrorism originating from Afghan territory, a statement said.
In a telephone conversation, Sharif urged Afghan authorities to take swift and decisive measures to dismantle terrorist networks operating within their borders, the statement from the prime minister’s office said.
The call came amid heightened regional tensions and followed Sharif’s three-day state visit to Malaysia earlier this month, during which the two leaders agreed to revitalise bilateral ties and pursue more ambitious cooperation, including potential collaboration under the Association of Southeast Asian Nations economic framework.
“He reaffirmed that Pakistan had agreed to a temporary ceasefire at the request of the Afghan authorities to facilitate dialogue in Doha, and stressed the importance of tangible action against all terrorist entities, including Fitna-al-Khwarij, Fitna-al-Hindustan, TTP, and BLA, to restore peace and stability along the border,” the statement added.
Ibrahim, expressing concern over the situation, offered to contribute constructively to easing tensions and promoting regional stability, the statement said.
The leaders also turned to other pressing matters in the Middle East, with Sharif updating Ibrahim on his role in the signing of the Gaza Peace Agreement in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, earlier this month. “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif briefed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on his participation in the signing ceremony of the Gaza Peace Agreement in Sharm-el-Sheikh,” the statement said. “While welcoming this peace effort, both leaders expressed hope that it would help bring an immediate end to the suffering of the Palestinian people, ensure unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza and pave the way for lasting peace and stability in the region.”
The Gaza accord, a 20-point plan unveiled after consultations among international leaders, calls for a phased approach starting with a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Sharif had attended a preparatory summit in New York in September, joining representatives from eight Muslim-majority countries and President Donald J. Trump of the United States to address the crisis.
Pakistan and Malaysia, bound by deep economic, religious and cultural connections, have sought to deepen their partnership in recent years. During Sharif’s October visit to Kuala Lumpur, the leaders announced a $200 million quota for halal meat trade and vowed to strengthen collaboration in the digital economy, agriculture and education.
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