Pakistan is actively engaged in sustained diplomatic efforts with both Washington and Tehran to promote de-escalation and support ceasefire initiatives, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated on Thursday during a weekly briefing in Islamabad. He emphasized that negotiations continue without pause, describing the ongoing mediation as constructive and noting that recent ceasefire agreements have helped prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
Addressing the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Andrabi underscored its critical importance as a global trade and oil transport route. He called for the immediate restoration of normal shipping operations, stressing that keeping the strait open is vital for energy supplies, trade, and the uninterrupted flow of goods. He expressed optimism that ongoing negotiations would succeed in reopening this key maritime corridor.
The conflict, now two months old and triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran, has resulted in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 20% of the world’s oil and gas supplies. This disruption has caused a surge in global energy prices and raised concerns about potential economic downturns worldwide.
Further highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution, Andrabi detailed high-level diplomatic engagements led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and senior military officials. These efforts include multiple phone conversations between PM Shehbaz and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, consultations with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, meetings with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and participation in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where the prime minister met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
These diplomatic initiatives have reinforced Pakistan’s role in facilitating recent US-Iran ceasefire understandings and advancing regional peace efforts, which have garnered recognition from international partners.
On issues concerning overseas Pakistanis, Andrabi provided updates on detainees in Southeast Asia and Africa. Pakistani authorities are actively working to secure the release of crew members aboard a hijacked vessel off the Somali coast, with regional authorities closely monitoring the situation. Additionally, over 80 Pakistanis detained in Cambodia have been granted consular access and are expected to be repatriated once legal procedures are completed. The spokesperson also warned citizens to be cautious of fraudulent overseas job offers.
Regarding Pakistanis detained in Uganda, 27 nationals were scheduled to return home on Thursday, while about 30 others are arranging their travel. The remaining individuals, who entered on visit visas, will also depart in due course. Although Ugandan immigration authorities imposed financial penalties, Pakistan’s mission is actively negotiating for a waiver.
Andrabi condemned recent unprovoked firing and shelling by Afghan forces on April 26 and 29 in South Waziristan’s border areas, including Angoor Adda. These attacks injured civilians, including women and children, and caused damage to homes. He expressed solidarity with the affected families and assured that measures are being taken to ensure their safety and prevent further incidents.
Finally, the spokesperson dismissed recent allegations from Kabul as propaganda, reiterating Pakistan’s demand that Afghan territory must not be used as a base for attacks against Pakistan.
