Joint Call for Accountability
Islamabad- Pakistan and Uzbekistan have jointly urged the Taliban-led Afghan Interim Government to take immediate and concrete measures to dismantle and eliminate all terrorist organizations operating from Afghan territory. In a joint statement issued Friday after talks between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, both leaders emphasized that Afghanistan must not serve as a base for groups planning attacks against other countries.
Peace as a Prerequisite for Regional Stability
The leaders stressed that lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan are critical for regional security and the successful execution of major connectivity projects. Chief among these is the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) railway, which aims to bolster trade, transit, and economic integration across South and Central Asia. Both sides highlighted that terrorist safe havens in Afghanistan jeopardize not only regional development but also international security.
Strengthening Strategic Partnership
Prime Minister Sharif and President Mirziyoyev reaffirmed the deep-rooted friendship and strategic cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. They underscored their commitment to supporting each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and long-term national interests while promoting counterterrorism, economic growth, and regional stability.
Connectivity and Economic Integration
The UAP Railway Project was hailed as a transformative initiative capable of linking Central and South Asia. Both leaders reiterated their determination to ensure the project’s timely completion, underlining its role in facilitating trade, connectivity, and socio-economic development across the region.
A Unified Stance Against Terrorism
The joint declaration underscores a clear, coordinated stance: Afghanistan must not be a sanctuary for extremist groups, and accountability is essential to ensure regional peace. Pakistan and Uzbekistan’s combined efforts signal the importance of collaborative engagement in addressing security threats and promoting sustainable development in South and Central Asia.
