Taliban Must Prevent Terrorist Attacks Originating From Afghanistan, Says Pak PM

Shehbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, called for constructive engagement between the international community and the Taliban at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

He also urged the Taliban to take measures to prevent terrorist attacks from Afghanistan on other countries.

Although he did not elaborate, Pakistan has consistently claimed that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has safe havens in Afghanistan under Taliban control.

Moreover, member countries of the SCO have continually warned of the influence of terrorist groups from Afghanistan on Central Asia.

According to the Dawn newspaper of Pakistan, Sharif stated at the SCO summit held in Astana, Kazakhstan, that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations must be condemned.

He added that the region's stability and economic development are also dependent on peace in Afghanistan.

The SCO summit began on Wednesday for two days with the theme "Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue – Striving for Sustainable Peace and Development".

Leaders and representatives from Russia, Kazakhstan, India, Iran, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Mongolia, Azerbaijan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Turkmenistan are attending the summit.

Although some of these countries have economic and diplomatic relations with the Taliban, none recognise the Taliban officially.

Since the Taliban came to power, no one has been allowed to represent Afghanistan at SCO meetings.