- PM Shehbaz reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to peace, stability in Afghanistan
- Urges Kabul to dismantle terror networks on Afghan soil
- Both leaders review Gaza Peace Agreement, stressing humanitarian access and agreeing to deepen ASEAN-linked economic cooperation
ISLAMABAD: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday spoke by phone with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, offering Malaysia’s “constructive role” in helping defuse the situation and restore regional stability, according to state media.
During the conversation, Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated that Pakistan desires peace and stability in Afghanistan but continues to face “cross-border terrorism emanating from Afghan soil.” He emphasized that Kabul must take “immediate and effective steps” to dismantle terrorist networks operating from its territory, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement.
The prime minister noted that Pakistan had agreed to a temporary ceasefire at Afghanistan’s request to facilitate dialogue in Doha but stressed that “tangible action” was required against all terrorist entities, including Fitna al-Khawarij, Fitna al-Hindustan, the TTP and the BLA, to restore peace along the border.
Anwar Ibrahim, voicing concern over the developments, assured that Malaysia stood ready to “play a constructive role in reducing tensions and restoring peace and stability in the region.”
The two leaders also reviewed other regional developments. Prime Minister Shehbaz briefed his Malaysian counterpart on his participation in the signing ceremony of the Gaza Peace Agreement held in Sharm el-Sheikh and expressed hope that the accord would help “end the suffering of the Palestinian people, ensure unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza, and pave the way for lasting peace in the region.” Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact.
The phone call followed Prime Minister Shehbaz’s state visit to Malaysia earlier this month, during which the two sides agreed to reignite bilateral cooperation through a forward-looking economic partnership, including potential collaboration under the ASEAN framework.
In their earlier meeting in Indonesia, both prime ministers had expressed satisfaction with the strong and ongoing defence partnership under the Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation (JCDC), established in 1997, and agreed to explore collaboration in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices to enhance public health and commercial linkages.
Pakistan and Malaysia enjoy longstanding economic, religious, and cultural ties. In April, Prime Minister Anwar noted that Pakistan’s investments in Malaysia had reached about $397 million, while in May, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani underscored both countries’ shared efforts in addressing challenges faced by the Islamic world, including Islamophobia.
