PM Shehbaz’s Olive Branch to Afghanistan: A Call for Action
On November 13, 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended a conditional olive branch to Afghanistan, emphasizing Pakistan’s willingness to support the Afghan government, provided that it takes concrete actions to rein in terrorist groups using its soil. (https://pak.net.pk/)
He stated:
- Let’s sit together, talk from the heart, and work to end terrorism. We are ready to support you.
- Pakistan has held peace talks with the Afghan government in Doha and Istanbul, urging them to act against groups like Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
Key Highlights of the Message
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that Pakistan has hosted Afghan refugees for over forty years and emphasized that the burden of this responsibility is now visible globally.
- He expressed concern over recent terrorist activities believed to have originated from Afghan soil, especially the attack on Islamabad’s Judicial Complex.
- He warned: “If promises are not kept, we will not tolerate it.”
What Does This Mean?
This move carries the following implications:
- Pakistan is clearly signalling that while it is open to peace talks, it expects Afghanistan to take firm action against groups that are using Afghan territory for terrorism.
- The message also suggests that Pakistan’s approach is not merely goodwill but conditional on Afghanistan’s willingness to uphold its side of the bargain.
- This step marks a crucial turn in regional relations, especially considering Pakistan’s ongoing security concerns with Afghanistan.
What’s Next?
- The ball is now in Afghanistan’s court. How they respond will determine the future of diplomatic and security relations between the two countries.
- Pakistan has made it clear that without effective action, regional cooperation could be at risk.
- This situation involves complex diplomatic, military, and border security concerns that are vital for both countries.
This blog summarises the key points from the article and outlines what PM Shehbaz’s statement means for the future of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. If you want, I can expand this into a more detailed analysis of the regional impact and the diplomatic hurdles ahead.