Pakistan Offers Conditional Dialogue with Afghanistan amid Rising Tensions

ISLAMABAD (International Desk) — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan is ready to hold talks with Afghanistan “on fair and legitimate terms,” stressing that peace and development in the region remain Islamabad’s top priority.

“We want progress and stability in the region, but despite our continued efforts, Afghanistan has not prioritized peace,” the Prime Minister stated.

The remarks come as the Pakistani government has decided to shut down all Afghan refugee camps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province — a move seen as part of a broader policy shift following increased border tensions and recent terrorist attacks allegedly originating from Afghan soil.

Analysts say the decision marks a significant escalation in Pakistan’s stance toward Kabul, underscoring growing frustration over cross-border militancy and the Taliban administration’s lack of cooperation.