Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Friday to review national security, diplomatic progress, and the ongoing repatriation of Afghan refugees.
The session was attended by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers, the prime minister of Azad Kashmir, and the chief ministers of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan, along with senior federal and provincial officials.
Representatives from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Muzammil Aslam, attended on behalf of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who could not be present.
Prime Minister Sharif welcomed participants and reaffirmed the federal government’s full support for all provinces, emphasizing unity and cooperation for Pakistan’s welfare and security.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairing a meeting regarding repatriation of Afghan Refugees. Islamabad. pic.twitter.com/5qv8opnRhO
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"Yesterday, I called the chief minister of KP and congratulated him. I assured the chief minister of all kinds of cooperation from the federation, as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is an important unit of it," the PM asserted.
Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements and defense acknowledged
Participants in the meeting appreciated Pakistan’s recent diplomatic successes, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighting the central role of Field Marshal Asim Munir in strengthening the nation’s defense and foreign policy initiatives.
“All the recommendations presented in the meeting should be implemented in letter and spirit,” the PM directed.
Pakistan’s response to Afghan aggression and terror threats
Discussing recent border violations and attacks from Afghan soil, the prime minister expressed serious concern over Afghanistan’s support for infiltrating terrorist elements.
“Pakistan has suffered thousands of precious lives and billions of dollars in the war on terror,” Shehbaz Sharif said. “It is deeply worrying that Afghan soil continues to be used for attacks on Pakistan.”
He noted that Pakistan’s brave armed forces, under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, responded to Afghan aggression in a befitting manner, successfully repelling recent attacks.
“The entire nation, including me, pays tribute to our valiant forces who have once again proven their professionalism and courage in defending the homeland,” he added.
The prime minister emphasized that Pakistan has always supported Afghanistan through decades of hardship but now faces pressing questions from its own citizens. “Our brave people who sacrificed their loved ones in the war on terrorism ask how long the government will continue to bear the burden of Afghan refugees,” he said.
Directive for swift repatriation of illegal Afghan refugees
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed provincial governments and relevant institutions to work in close coordination with the federation to ensure the early return of Afghans illegally residing in Pakistan.
“The provinces must fully cooperate in implementing the repatriation plan,” he said, underscoring that the move is aimed at protecting Pakistan’s security and social stability. "Only those Afghans who have a Pakistani visa will be allowed to stay in Pakistan."
A detailed briefing was given during the meeting on the repatriation process, with officials confirming that measures are being taken to facilitate the safe and organized return of Afghan citizens.
Efforts to prevent cross-border terror infiltration
The PM reiterated that Pakistan has made consistent diplomatic and political efforts to stop the infiltration of Khawarij terrorists from Afghanistan. He noted that senior Pakistani officials, including the deputy prime minister, foreign minister, and defense minister, have visited Kabul multiple times to engage with the Afghan interim government to stop the use of Afghan soil for terrorism in Pakistan.
“Our objective has always been to maintain peace and stability in the region,” he said. “We have sought to ensure that Afghan soil is not used for terrorism against Pakistan.”
Nation’s gratitude to armed forces and security agencies
Paying tribute to the Pakistan armed forces, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said their professionalism under Field Marshal Asim Munir’s command was evident not only during the recent Afghan aggression but also during the Indian hostilities in the past.
“Our forces know how to defend the homeland with unmatched skill and courage,” he said, praising their commitment to national security and sovereignty.
The PM also commended the public’s resilience and unity, noting that the people of Pakistan stand firmly behind their armed forces in safeguarding the nation’s borders and interests.
Reasons for KP CM's absence
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had made cooperation from the federal government conditional on attending the meeting, sources confirmed. According to reports, Sohail Afridi himself refused to attend the high-level meeting, and his message of non-participation was formally conveyed to the federal authorities.
Sources at the Chief Minister’s House said that Afridi conditioned his participation in federal activities on being allowed to meet the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Adiala Jail.
“If a meeting with the PTI founder takes place, the matter will move forward,” the sources added.
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