Turkish, Pakistani Leaders Call For Inclusive Governance In Afghanistan

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan has announced that the leaders of Türkiye and Pakistan have reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.

According to the statement released on Friday, 14 February, both nations emphasised the importance of establishing an inclusive government that upholds human rights, particularly for women and girls, and prioritises the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan. The statement also underscored the need to continue providing humanitarian aid to the Afghan people.

During a two-day official visit to Islamabad, the Turkish President was warmly received by senior Pakistani officials. In discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed that Islamabad expects the Afghan Taliban to collaborate in combating terrorism, rather than facilitating its proliferation. Sharif also voiced concerns regarding the activities of terrorist groups in Afghanistan, warning that the country should not become a safe haven for extremist elements.

The statement further revealed that Türkiye and Pakistan urged the Taliban leadership to take decisive measures against terrorism, specifically targeting groups such as ISIS and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), both of which are subject to United Nations Security Council sanctions.

Despite maintaining close ties with the Afghan Taliban—accepting their diplomats and engaging in political and economic relations—the Taliban government continues to impose significant restrictions on women’s rights, including access to employment, education, and other fundamental freedoms. International and Islamic bodies have previously called on the Taliban to lift these restrictions; however, the group has persisted in enforcing them.