The Pakistan-Russia Business Forum, which was set to take place on March 4 with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s forthcoming visit to Russia, has been called off due to escalating regional Pak Afghan war.
Sources indicate that a formal decision has been reached to cancel the business forum, and the relevant delegations have been duly notified in this regard.
Inirially, the forum was planned to coincide with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit, with over 100 Pakistani companies anticipated to engage with Russian businesses.
However, it has been decided to cancel the event in light of the prevailing security and air conditions.
While there has not yet been an official announcement regarding the cancellation of the Prime Minister’s visit to Russia, the decision to cancel the business forum is being regarded as a significant development in the context of the current circumstances.
Planning Minister stresses on removal of terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan
Earlier, on Friday, Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal stated that the Afghan regime must take decisive actions to eliminate the hideouts of terrorist groups within its territory.
He emphasised that the eradication of terrorist hideouts from Afghan soil is crucial for achieving lasting peace in the region during an interview with a private television channel.
He mentioned that requests had been made to Afghan authorities to cease the harboring of terrorists who are fueling terrorism in Pakistan amid the Pak Afghan war.
He added further that Pakistan seeks a permanent resolution to this grave issue, adding that the government requires a credible assurance from the Afghan regime to eradicate terrorism.
Pak Afghan war intensifies
The conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban military has now entered its third day as of Saturday, following overnight skirmishes.
The international community has expressed growing concern regarding the situation and has called for immediate negotiations.
On Friday, Pakistan conducted strikes targeting Taliban military facilities and positions, including those in Kabul and Kandahar, marking one of the most significant incursions by Pakistan into its western neighbor in recent years, according to officials.
Islamabad has accused the Taliban of sheltering Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, who are allegedly conducting an insurgency within Pakistan, a claim that the Taliban denies.
Pakistan characterised its military actions as a reaction to cross-border attacks, while Kabul condemned these actions as violations of its sovereignty, asserting its willingness to engage in dialogue but cautioning that any escalation of conflict would lead to severe repercussions.
Read more: Pakistan Armed Forces destroy Afghan Taliban’s Khyber post in major blow
