Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have discussed bilateral relations, regional and global issues, as well as the latest situation in Afghanistan, in a phone call.

“Türkiye continues its peace-oriented efforts regarding conflicts in the region and will keep taking steps to ensure stability and peace,” Erdogan said over a phone call on Thursday, Türkiye’s Communications Directorate said in a statement.

The president also noted that Pakistan’s peace and security are important for Türkiye, and said Ankara will continue working together for lasting stability.

Erdogan stressed that Türkiye can't accept provocations targeting al Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem, Islam’s first qibla, and that the Muslim world cannot remain silent.

He also congratulated Sharif on the occasion of Eid during the call.

Earlier, Pakistan said it “temporarily” paused its “military operation” in Afghanistan on Wednesday for the Muslim holiday of Eid, following requests from Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

Later, Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid also announced a temporary halt to its operations ahead of Eid al Fitr, citing goodwill and requests from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Qatar.

Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have worsened in recent weeks as border tensions escalated, causing casualties and property damage.

Islamabad accuses Afghanistan of harbouring anti-Pakistan terror groups, which Kabul denies.