Field Marshal Asim Munir’s primary objective in the US-Iran agreement was to foster “peace and stability” across the region, emphasizing that Pakistan was not pursuing “headline diplomacy,” senior security officials stated on Tuesday. This clarification came following a significant diplomatic breakthrough on Monday, when US President Donald Trump announced that Washington had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran aimed at ending the Middle East conflict.
Pakistan has served as a crucial mediator between Tehran and Washington since the conflict escalated on February 28, triggered by US-Israel strikes on Iran. Senior security officials highlighted that Islamabad managed the US-Iran issue as a “highly complex matter,” successfully meeting all the demands required of a mediator in the dispute.
Officials stressed that Pakistan’s role was gradually gaining international recognition, despite the country’s deliberate avoidance of seeking public accolades. They warned that certain actors still aimed to undermine the emerging understandings, noting Israel’s dominance in international media narratives. Additionally, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and the UAE were acknowledged for their contributions toward de-escalation efforts.
Pakistan’s ability to maintain distinct diplomatic relations with Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United States enabled it to engage effectively with all parties involved. On regional security matters, officials expressed Pakistan’s desire to maintain positive relations with Afghanistan. They reported that Operation Ghazab lil-Haq resulted in the elimination of 862 militants in Afghanistan and 999 militants within Pakistan.
Regarding the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), security officials noted that the government had requested shopkeepers to resume business activities. However, members of the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) obstructed roads and intimidated those attempting to reopen shops. Officials remarked that the banned JAAC was increasingly exposed and assured that the issue would be addressed in accordance with the Constitution.
On defense spending, Rs300 billion was allocated in the budget, marking a 17% increase. Most of these funds are designated for mandatory expenditures, leaving limited resources available for development projects. Addressing broader security challenges, officials acknowledged that terrorism remains a domestic threat and emphasized that modern warfare increasingly relies on advanced technology. They noted that the current budget is insufficient to meet these demands, a fact recognized by both military and political leadership.
