Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan is ready to hold talks with Afghanistan, but only if the Afghan government agrees to Pakistan’s stated conditions. Speaking to reporters during his return from the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit, the premier said that the decision now lies with the Afghan side, adding, “The ball is in their court.”
He emphasized that Pakistan had no hostility toward Afghanistan but could not ignore its security concerns, especially after recent cross-border incidents. PM Shehbaz noted that Pakistan had made its position clear and was open to dialogue, provided the Afghan government addressed Islamabad’s key demands related to peace and security.
The remarks come amid a tense period between the two neighboring countries, following border clashes and airstrikes earlier this month. The prime minister’s statement suggests Pakistan’s willingness to de-escalate tensions through conditional engagement.
PM Shehbaz’s comments also followed his participation in the Sharm El-Sheikh peace conference, where regional stability and humanitarian issues were discussed.
