Speaking to participants from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at a national workshop in Islamabad, the prime minister described the repatriation of people from Afghanistan as a “serious and fatal mistake.”

During his address, the prime minister spoke in detail about internal security, terrorism, national cohesion, regional developments, and development initiatives by his government.

Highlighting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a strategic province, Shehbaz Sharif praised the sacrifices of its people in the fight against terrorism, calling the province’s residents “patriotic and proud.”

He noted that over four decades, the province had hosted nearly four million Afghan refugees, calling it a significant humanitarian and national contribution.

“National security remains the top priority of the present government,” he said, adding that a comprehensive strategy has been adopted to address both internal and external security challenges.

Reflecting on the tragic APS Peshawar attack, the prime minister said the incident remains fresh in the nation’s memory.

“After that tragedy, the state adopted a clear policy that there can be no distinction between good and bad Taliban,” he said.

The prime minister questioned the release of hundreds of militants from Swat and the circumstances that allowed terrorism to reemerge.

Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan’s goodwill toward Afghanistan has been met with “painful” responses.

The prime minister said successive Afghan governments failed to value Pakistan’s hospitality.

“When diplomatic efforts failed, we had to respond,” he said, pointing out that the Afghan interim government has been unable to prevent terrorism on its own soil.

He underscored the state’s determination to eradicate terrorism completely and asked Afghanistan to decide whether it truly seeks peace.

Shehbaz Sharif described anti-terror operations as a collective national decision and pointed out that groups like the TTP and BLA received support from India.

The prime minister emphasised that sustainable peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is essential and vowed that the nation will not rest until external threats are fully eliminated.

He stressed that all segments of society must unite to confront terrorism.

Referring to the development policies of his government, the prime minister said that national progress is only possible when all four provinces participate equally in the country’s growth.

He highlighted key federal initiatives, including funding for major highways in Balochistan and a solar panel programme for local farmers.

Punjab has contributed Rs10 billion from its share, while a total of Rs40 billion has been allocated for the province’s overall development and prosperity, he added.

Paying tribute to the sacrifices of security forces, Shehbaz Sharif said their efforts against terrorism are a source of national pride.

He noted that during last year’s military operations, seven Indian aircraft were shot down, delivering a historic setback to the adversary.

He added that Pakistan’s green passport is now respected internationally and that the country is becoming economically stronger.