Foreign Office Archives

Pakistan rejects claims of abandoning Iran-US mediation efforts

July 16, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan rejected suggestions that it has stepped back from efforts to mediate between Iran and the United States, saying its diplomatic engagement remains active despite renewed hostilities between the two countries.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi, speaking at a weekly news briefing, said Pakistan continues to believe that dialogue and diplomacy are the only sustainable path to resolving disputes.

He stressed that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) remains a valid and effective framework for restoring peace once tensions subside.

Andrabi said Pakistan’s position has remained consistent throughout the crisis, emphasizing respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states while condemning armed attacks.

He urged all parties to exercise restraint and return to negotiations, adding that the Islamabad MoU, together with the Pakistan-Qatar joint communiqué issued on June 22, provides a practical roadmap for resuming technical-level talks.

The spokesperson also voiced concern over the impact of renewed regional tensions on global energy markets, trade and food security. He called for the early restoration of normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, stressing the importance of ensuring freedom, safety and security of maritime navigation for uninterrupted trade and energy supplies.

Andrabi said Pakistan remains in close diplomatic contact with key regional countries to help reduce tensions.

He noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed the regional situation with the Emir of Qatar and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on July 10, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for de-escalation and peaceful dialogue.

The spokesperson also confirmed that trade negotiations between Pakistan and the United States are continuing, describing recent discussions as constructive.

He said both sides had made progress on several issues aimed at expanding bilateral trade, diversifying Pakistani exports and strengthening economic cooperation, adding that communication channels between the two countries remain open.

Pakistan calls for release of Kashmiri political prisoners, says Foreign Office

May 22, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has called for the release of all Kashmiri political prisoners and human rights activists, the Foreign Office said on Friday.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said Pakistan and China have completed 75 years of diplomatic relations, marking the occasion with official-level celebrations.

He said both countries have supported each other in difficult times and continue to cooperate in trade, industry, education, and people-to-people exchanges.

The spokesperson added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit China from May 23 to 26. He said the visit will help further strengthen the all-weather strategic partnership between the two countries.

He said the prime minister will chair a Pakistan-China business-to-business conference in Beijing and will also attend a reception. Meetings are also scheduled with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.

On regional security issues, the spokesperson said Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had visited Iran twice and held important meetings with Iranian leadership, discussing bilateral relations and security matters.

He said drone incidents were reported on May 17 in the airspace of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, adding that targeting nuclear facilities is a serious violation of international law. Pakistan expressed deep concern over the incidents and strongly condemned them, hoping such events would not recur.

Referring to Kashmir, the spokesperson said India continues to suppress voices advocating human rights in the region and highlighted what he described as ongoing atrocities in Indian-administered Kashmir.

He added that India attempts to divert attention from human rights violations by leveling baseless allegations against Pakistan, citing the Kulbhushan Jadhav case as evidence of state-sponsored terrorism.

Pakistan, he said, continues to demand the release of Kashmiri political prisoners and human rights activists. He also reaffirmed that Pakistan will continue to use legal and diplomatic channels to protect its rights under the Indus Waters Treaty.

The spokesperson said Pakistan and Russia had held detailed consultations on global security, arms control, and non-proliferation, agreeing to enhance cooperation in international forums, with the next round scheduled to be held in Islamabad in 2027.

Pakistan rejects reports claiming presence of Iranian aircraft at Nur Khan Air Base

May 12, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office has strongly rejected and termed misleading media reports regarding the alleged presence of Iranian aircraft at Nur Khan Air Base.

In a statement posted on social media, the Foreign Office dismissed a report by CBS News, calling it “misleading and sensationalist.”

The statement said such speculative narratives are aimed at undermining ongoing efforts for regional stability and peace.

🔊PR No.1️⃣1️⃣6️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣

Official Response to CBS Report on Iranian Aircraft in Pakistan
🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ZqJw28nNaK
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 12, 2026

The Foreign Office clarified that after a ceasefire and during the initial phase of talks in Islamabad, multiple aircraft from Iran and the United States had arrived in Pakistan to facilitate the movement of diplomatic staff, security teams, and negotiating personnel.

It added that some aircraft and supporting staff remained in Pakistan in anticipation of the next round of discussions.

Although formal negotiations have not yet resumed, high-level diplomatic contacts continue. In this context, visits by Iranian Foreign Minister to Islamabad were made possible through existing administrative and logistical arrangements.

The statement further clarified that the Iranian aircraft present in Pakistan arrived during the ceasefire period and had no connection with any military emergency or security deployment.

No formal ceasefire with Afghanistan, Foreign Office confirms

May 2, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office Pakistan has clarified that there is no ceasefire agreement in place with Afghanistan, rejecting reports suggesting otherwise.

According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, only a brief three-day pause was observed during Eid, which has since ended, and it would be incorrect to describe the current situation as a ceasefire.

The spokesperson further stated that the British position on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border does not accurately reflect ground realities.

Despite Pakistan’s goodwill ceasefire initiative in March, cross-border terrorism and infiltration attempts from the Afghan side have continued without interruption.

Officials reported that unprovoked firing and militant activities by the Afghan Taliban resulted in the martyrdom of 52 civilians and injuries to 84 others.

Rejecting Afghan claims of civilian casualties caused by Pakistan’s response, the Foreign Office termed such allegations baseless and unverified.

The statement also highlighted that Pakistani forces have successfully foiled multiple infiltration attempts from across the border.

It added that ignoring the root causes of terrorism reflects an unbalanced perspective and urged the international community to better understand the regional situation and Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.

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.