Time for Afghan govt to act against TTP, says PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reiterated his call for the Afghan government to act decisively against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which he said was carrying out terror activities within Pakistan from across the Afghan border.

He termed this situation unacceptable and declared it a red line for Pakistan.

“Unfortunately, the TTP is operating from Afghanistan, targeting and killing innocent people in Pakistan. This cannot continue. We have conveyed to the Afghan government that while we desire good relations, the TTP must be stopped from these heinous acts. This is a red line for us,” the prime minister said during his opening remarks while chairing a federal cabinet meeting on Friday.

Highlighting the shared border of thousands of kilometres, the prime minister emphasised Pakistan’s desire for cordial relations and cooperation with Afghanistan in trade, economy, and other sectors. However, he stressed that a policy of negotiations cannot coexist with allowing the TTP to operate against Pakistan.

The prime minister urged the Afghan government to devise a solid strategy to address the issue, expressing Pakistan’s readiness to engage in dialogue.

He reaffirmed that Pakistan’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies remain fully prepared to ensure the nation’s peace and security.

PM directs for uninterrupted gas supply to domestic sector

Referring to recent incidents, the prime minister noted that 16 FC personnel were martyred in a terrorist attack, while several terrorists were eliminated in operations in North Waziristan, where an army major also embraced martyrdom.

TRIBUTE TO BENAZIR BHUTTO

On the 17th anniversary of her martyrdom, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to Benazir Bhutto, lauding her as a courageous leader with remarkable political acumen. He noted her historic role as the first female prime minister of the Islamic world and her belief in political coexistence, which led to the signing of the Charter of Democracy with Mian Nawaz Sharif, later endorsed by other political parties.

“Her services and sacrifices for democracy and the country are exemplary and will always be remembered,” he added.

EFFORTS IN PARACHINAR

Addressing the shortage of medicines in Parachinar, the prime minister informed the cabinet that the federal government had delivered 1,000 kilograms of medicines to the area via helicopter, which also airlifted patients for treatment in Islamabad.

CONDOLENCE WITH AZERBAIJAN

The prime minister also shared details of his telephonic conversation with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev to offer condolences over a tragic plane crash that claimed 38 lives and injured 24 others. He expressed hope for strengthened ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan in the future.

ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY AND ECONOMIC MEASURES

Regarding the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, the prime minister stated that all arrangements for the international cricket event were in place and expressed hope that Pakistanis would enjoy high-quality matches.

On economic matters, he apprised the cabinet of an agreement with banks under which Rs 70 billion would be added to the national exchequer annually, amounting to Rs 240 billion over three years. He noted that banks had previously made substantial profits due to high-interest rates, and the proposal will be presented to the cabinet for approval before being sent to the President of Pakistan for final endorsement.

APP