Pakistan lauds Türkiye's 'constructive role' in Islamabad's ceasefire with Kabul

Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have discussed bilateral relations, regional and global issues, as well as the latest situation in Afghanistan.

"I acknowledged Türkiye’s constructive role in supporting peace efforts between Pakistan and Afghanistan, particularly its contribution towards the recent temporary ceasefire during Eid days," Sharif wrote on X, regarding his call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday.

"We also exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan," he said.

The two leaders also discussed "the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East," according to Sharif.

He said he "strongly condemned" attacks on "our brotherly country Türkiye, as well as other brotherly countries in the region."

"I reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast solidarity with Türkiye as well as with other brotherly Gulf countries and conveyed our readiness to support efforts aimed at de-escalation and dialogue," said Sharif.

"We urged maximum restraint and stressed the need for resolving differences through dialogue and diplomacy."

‘Peace-oriented efforts’

“Türkiye continues its peace-oriented efforts regarding conflicts in the region, and will keep taking steps to ensure stability and peace,” Erdogan said.

The president also noted that Pakistan’s peace and security are important for Türkiye, and said Ankara will continue working together for lasting stability.

Erdogan also stressed that Türkiye can't accept provocations targeting Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, Islam’s first qibla, and that the Islamic world cannot remain silent.

Pakistan and Afghanistan announced a ceasefire on Wednesday for the Muslim holiday of Eid, following requests from Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have worsened in recent weeks as border tensions escalated, causing casualties and property damage.​​​​​​​