PM Sharif says world trusts Pakistan’s diplomatic role

ISLAMABAD:  Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan is being recognised globally as an “honest mediator” and enjoys growing international trust from major powers and regional states.

“Pakistan is currently occupying an “important and dignified diplomatic position” in world affairs, and that confidence shown by international leadership is a moment of pride for 240 million Pakistanis,” he told The Sunday Times.

“Pakistan is being recognised around the world as an honest mediator. International leadership has complete trust in Pakistan,” he said.

Sharif said that improved coordination between political and military leadership had strengthened the country’s international standing.

“Pakistan’s reputation has improved due to the role of both political and military leadership,” he said.

The prime minister said that Iran, the United States and Gulf countries all placed trust in Pakistan, while Islamabad’s efforts for peace continued “without pause”.

“Achieving sustainable peace is not easy,” he said, adding that persistence, patience and wisdom were essential in complex geopolitical environments.

He said that discussions were ongoing in Islamabad aimed at advancing peace processes through continued engagement.

Pakistan, he said, remained committed to eliminating terrorism from its soil but warned that militant activity was resurging, with groups based in Afghanistan allegedly involved in cross-border attacks.

“Terrorism is once again resurfacing in the country, with certain groups operating from Afghanistan,” he said.

He said that Pakistan had repeatedly conveyed messages to Afghan authorities not to allow militant networks to use their territory against Pakistan.

“Despite repeated messages, Afghan soil is still being used against Pakistan,” he said.

The prime minister said that Islamabad had made consistent efforts for peace but could not remain silent over the killing of civilians and security personnel.

“If we are being attacked, what are we supposed to do? Should we sit and have dinner with terrorists?” he said.

He said Pakistan’s fight against terrorism was not only for its own security but also for global peace.

“This war against terrorism is not just Pakistan’s war; it is a war for global peace,” he said.

Pakistan has faced a rise in militant violence in recent years, particularly in regions bordering Afghanistan, prompting renewed security operations and diplomatic engagement with Kabul.