On December 12, 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan delivered a forceful address at an international forum in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, warning of a renewed surge in terrorism emanating from Afghan soil. His remarks, delivered at a gathering marking the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality and the United Nations’ designation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust, underscored the gravity of the regional security landscape and the urgent need for global cooperation.
Sharif’s speech, attended by prominent world leaders including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, placed Pakistan’s security concerns firmly on the international agenda. According to Daily Times, the prime minister cautioned, “A new wave of terrorism is rising from Afghan soil,” urging the world to press Afghan authorities to take decisive action against militant groups operating within their borders. He insisted that Afghanistan must prevent its territory from being used for cross-border attacks, a point that resonated with many in the audience given the region’s turbulent history.
Sharif’s call was not limited to counterterrorism. As reported by Anadolu Agency, he emphasized the interconnectedness of global challenges, stating, “Let us move from zero-sum mindsets to purposeful cooperation, invest in connectivity as bridges for people and ideas, resolve disputes peacefully, and reaffirm our commitment to the UN Charter.” He linked the fight against terrorism to broader issues such as climate change, inequality, and the need for sustainable development, painting a picture of security that extends beyond military measures.
The prime minister’s remarks came at a time of heightened tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Recent clashes along their shared border have raised alarms, prompting mediation efforts from regional powers. Sharif extended gratitude to Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran for their “sincere desire and efforts to achieve a ceasefire, which, as I speak, is still very fragile.” His acknowledgment of the ceasefire’s fragility underscored the precariousness of peace in the region and the necessity of continued diplomatic engagement.
Sharif’s address also highlighted Pakistan’s active role on the international stage, particularly as a serving member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution, referencing the Gaza Peace Plan, which the UNSC has endorsed. According to Daily Times, he noted that the plan has “helped ease suffering for millions of Palestinians caught in the conflict.” He further pointed to UNSC Resolution 2788 as evidence of Pakistan’s ongoing push for lasting peace in the Middle East.
Beyond the immediate crises, Sharif drew attention to the rights of both Palestinians and Kashmiris, reaffirming Pakistan’s stance on these longstanding disputes. He stated that protecting the rights of these peoples remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. This position, long held by Islamabad, continues to shape its diplomatic outreach and international partnerships.
Sharif’s vision for peace was deeply intertwined with the pursuit of sustainable development. He argued that “sustainable peace is linked to sustainable development, financial inclusion, and women’s economic empowerment.” Highlighting Pakistan’s “clean and green model” as a global example, he called for fair access to advanced technologies for poorer countries—a topic that has gained urgency as developing nations grapple with the dual challenges of climate change and economic inequality.
According to Anadolu Agency, the prime minister urged world leaders to reject “zero-sum thinking” and instead “build bridges that connect economies, people, and ideas.” This appeal for bridge-building was not merely rhetorical. Sharif praised Turkmenistan’s hospitality and its efforts to promote global peace, suggesting that the Central Asian nation’s commitment to neutrality and dialogue could serve as a model for others.
While his speech was forward-looking, Sharif did not shy away from the immediate threats facing Pakistan and its neighbors. Terrorism, he warned, “still threatens the region and demands a united global response.” The resurgence of militant activity along the Afghan border has been a source of growing concern in Islamabad, particularly as international attention has shifted elsewhere. Sharif’s insistence that Afghanistan clamp down on cross-border attacks was a pointed reminder that the roots of insecurity often lie beyond one’s own borders.
Yet, the prime minister’s message was not solely one of caution. He expressed optimism for 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust, welcoming the opportunity for renewed dialogue and cooperation. He lauded the efforts of the Arab–Islamic group, in which Pakistan plays an active role, to secure a lasting ceasefire in the Middle East and ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need. According to Daily Times, Sharif emphasized that peaceful conflict resolution remains a key part of Pakistan’s foreign policy, positioning his country as both a regional stakeholder and a global advocate for peace.
Climate change and inequality, Sharif asserted, remain major hurdles for developing nations. He argued that the international community must provide fair access to advanced technologies, enabling poorer countries to leapfrog developmental gaps and contribute meaningfully to global prosperity. His remarks reflected a growing consensus among developing nations that climate justice and equitable growth are inseparable from peace and security.
Sharif’s speech in Ashgabat was, in many ways, a microcosm of Pakistan’s broader diplomatic approach: assertive in defending national interests, insistent on the necessity of international cooperation, and clear-eyed about the challenges ahead. His dual focus on immediate security threats and long-term developmental goals signaled a recognition that peace cannot be achieved in isolation.
The forum itself, attended by a roster of influential leaders, provided a fitting backdrop for these themes. With the world facing an array of interconnected crises—from persistent conflicts to escalating climate emergencies—the need for collective action has rarely been more urgent. Sharif’s call to “move from zero-sum mindsets to purposeful cooperation” was both a critique of the status quo and a challenge to the assembled leaders to rise above narrow interests.
As 2025 unfolds, the test for Pakistan and its partners will be whether these lofty words can be translated into tangible progress. The fragility of ceasefires, the persistence of terrorism, and the enduring inequalities that divide nations all serve as reminders that peace is not a destination, but an ongoing process—one that demands vigilance, creativity, and, above all, cooperation.
