Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan is ready to extend full cooperation to Afghanistan if the Kabul government takes effective action against the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other terrorist groups.

He made these remarks while addressing the opening session of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference in Islamabad on Tuesday.

“Peace and stability are the foundation of sustainable development,” the prime minister said.

“We believe that progress is only possible in a society where there is peace and security.”

Recalling Pakistan’s own struggle against militancy, Shehbaz said the country had faced numerous attacks over the years, but the armed forces had thwarted enemy designs with exceptional professionalism and courage.

He noted that Pakistan had faced unprovoked aggression on its eastern border in May this year, while attacks were also carried out last month on Pakistani border posts from Afghan territory — to which Pakistan gave a “firm and decisive response.”

The prime minister stressed that Afghanistan must realise that supporting the banned TTP will not bring peace, adding that a peaceful Afghanistan is the key to regional connectivity, development, and prosperity.

He emphasised the need for continued dialogue between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, saying the process was appreciated by partner countries.

Welcoming the distinguished speakers and participants at the conference, Shehbaz said the event would help strengthen parliamentary cooperation and open new avenues to address challenges faced by democratic institutions.

Highlighting his government’s economic reform agenda, the prime minister said Pakistan, in collaboration with global partners, was introducing financial reforms aimed at promoting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and ensuring economic stability.

“Pakistan has always stood by oppressed nations,” he said, reaffirming that peace and development are inseparable.