Pakistani premier says Türkiye played ‘constructive role’ in ceasefire with Afghanistan

​​​​​ISTANBUL

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Thursday that Türkiye played a ‘constructive role’ in Islamabad's ceasefire with Afghanistan.

"I acknowledged Türkiye’s constructive role in supporting peace efforts, between Pakistan and Afghanistan, particularly its contribution towards the recent temporary ceasefire during Eid days," Sharif wrote on US social media company X, regarding his call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

"We also exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan," he said.

The two leaders also discussed "the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East," according to Sharif. He said he "strongly condemned" attacks on "our brotherly country Türkiye as well as other brotherly countries in the region."

"I reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast solidarity with Türkiye as well as with other brotherly Gulf countries, and conveyed our readiness to support efforts aimed at de-escalation and dialogue," said Sharif. "We urged maximum restraint and stressed upon the need for resolving differences through dialogue and diplomacy."

Pakistan and Afghanistan announced a ceasefire Wednesday for the Muslim holiday of Eid, following requests from Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have worsened in recent weeks as border tensions escalated, causing casualties and property damage.​​​​​​​