Foreign Office Archives

Pakistan calls media reports on UAE repayment misleading

April 4, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office has dismissed recent remarks regarding United Arab Emirates financial reserves as baseless and misleading. According to the ministry, the funds held in the State Bank of Pakistan were part of bilateral trade agreements, and Pakistan is returning the deposits in accordance with the agreed terms upon maturity.

The m Foreign Office emphasized that the repayment is a routine financial procedure and misrepresenting it is misleading. Pakistan and the UAE share long-standing and fraternal relations, with strategic cooperation continuing across trade, investment, and defense sectors.

Repayment Details:

Pakistan will return USD 2 billion in UAE deposits on April 17, 2026, with an interest rate of 6 percent.

Additionally, a Eurobond of USD 1.3 billion will mature on April 8, 2026, and be repaid.

Overall, Pakistan will pay a total of USD 3.5 billion, including principal and interest.

A further USD 1 billion in UAE deposits is scheduled for repayment in July 2026.

The FO reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its strategic and economic relations with the UAE. Earlier reports indicated that the UAE had initially approved a two-month extension for the USD 2 billion deposits, with maturity previously set for February 2026, but Pakistan opted for repayment along with accrued interest.

PM Shehbaz to attend Gaza Peace Board meeting

February 12, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will participate in the Gaza Peace Board meeting, accompanied by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, according to the Foreign Office.

Speaking at the weekly news briefing, FO spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi stated that the Prime Minister will be accompanied by a high-level delegation and will meet former US President Donald Trump during his visit to the United States.

The spokesperson further noted that Pakistan has shared evidence of ISIS presence in Afghanistan with international partners, highlighting that the mastermind behind recent attacks is operating from Afghanistan. He emphasized that Pakistan reserves the right to defend itself.

Regarding India, the Foreign Office confirmed that Pakistan has requested details about the construction of new dams and urged India to avoid unilateral actions. Andrabi reiterated that India is bound to honor the Indus Waters Treaty.

On cricket, the spokesperson claimed that India intends to use the sport as a political tool against Pakistan and that the decision to avoid playing against India was aimed at preventing cricket from being weaponized.

Pakistan invited to participate in US–Iran talks: Foreign Office confirms

February 3, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office has confirmed that Islamabad has been invited to participate in talks between the United States and Iran.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andarabi said that Pakistan has received a formal invitation to attend the US–Iran negotiations.

According to diplomatic sources, the talks are scheduled to take place this week in Istanbul. The sources revealed that the negotiations were made possible through back-channel diplomatic efforts, with Pakistan and Türkiye playing a key role in facilitating the process.

Meanwhile, a foreign news agency quoted Iranian officials as saying that US–Iran nuclear talks will resume on Friday in Türkiye. The negotiations had remained stalled since May 2023, following five previous rounds.

A regional official stated that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Pakistan, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates have also been invited to Istanbul to attend the talks.

Iranian diplomatic sources said Tehran is neither optimistic nor pessimistic about the Istanbul negotiations, adding that the talks will determine whether the United States is serious about pursuing meaningful and result-oriented dialogue.

The Iranian sources further emphasized that Iran’s defensive preparedness remains at its highest level, stressing that the country is ready for any situation and that Iran’s defense capabilities are non-negotiable.

Pakistan accepts invitation to join Board of Peace for sustainable Gaza peace

January 21, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has accepted an invitation to join the “Board of Peace”, a US-led initiative aimed at achieving sustainable peace in Gaza, the Foreign Office confirmed.

According to the spokesperson, the invitation was extended by US President Donald Trump to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Pakistan’s participation aligns with UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and the country’s commitment to supporting practical measures for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

The Foreign Office highlighted that Pakistan also emphasized the need for increased humanitarian assistance for Palestinians and reaffirmed support for the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people. Pakistan continues to advocate for an independent Palestinian state within pre-1967 borders, with Jerusalem (Al-Quds) as its capital.

Pakistan’s engagement in the Board of Peace is expected to facilitate practical steps toward conflict resolution, while the platform could support constructive contributions to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.

The US has encouraged several world leaders to join the Board, which requires a $1 billion fee for permanent membership. While initially focused on Gaza reconstruction, documents indicate that the Board’s mandate is not limited to Gaza and may position itself as an alternative or rival to UN-led mechanisms.

Pakistan, Indonesia to strengthen ties with new MoUs across key fields

December 8, 2025 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan today for a two-day official visit, marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Indonesia.

According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, President Subianto is visiting Pakistan on the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. During the visit, he will hold delegation-level talks with the Prime Minister.

The Indonesian President is also expected to meet President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir.

The agenda of the visit includes discussions on trade, investment, defence cooperation, health, information technology, climate, education, and cultural exchanges.

The several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed between the two countries during the visit.

Pakistan voices concern over flag hoisting at Babri Mosque site

November 26, 2025 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has voiced strong concern over the hoisting of a flag atop the so-called Ram Mandir, constructed on the site of the demolished Babri Mosque in India.

In a statement issued from Islamabad, the Foreign Office spokesperson urged the international community to take note of the rising Islamophobia in India.

The spokesperson said the Babri Mosque was a centuries-old place of worship that was illegally demolished by extremists on 6 December 1992, adding that the Indian government later facilitated their acquittal through the courts.

The Foreign Office noted that the Indian government permitted the construction of a temple on the site of the demolished mosque.

It warned that other historical mosques across India face similar threats of desecration, reflecting what it described as the government’s discriminatory attitude toward minorities.

According to the statement, Indian Muslims continue to suffer social, economic, and political marginalization, and the global community must take notice of the rising wave of Islamophobia in the country. Pakistan called on the world to also speak out against the incitement of hatred and attacks targeting minorities in India.

The spokesperson further urged the United Nations to ensure the protection of Islamic heritage sites in India and safeguard the rights and security of Indian Muslims and all other religious communities.

Dar praises US, Turkey’s role in ceasefire talks

October 14, 2025 by Newsdesk

CAIRO: On the sidelines of the Gaza Peace Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar engaged in talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss regional developments and peace efforts.

The Foreign Office said in a statement, the two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest, including regional stability and ongoing efforts for peace in Gaza.

On the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Dar also held a separate meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar appreciated the role of the United States and Turkey in promoting a ceasefire, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for all efforts aimed at lasting peace and stability in the region.

Dar further emphasized that the international community must continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza and Palestine.