Pakistan reaffirmed on Thursday its commitment to comply with all applicable sanctions regimes related to Iran while continuing to facilitate dialogue between Washington and Tehran. Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan emphasized that Pakistan will abide by both international and domestic legal frameworks concerning sanctions.
Notably, this clarification followed a statement on September 17 regarding new US measures targeting Iranian airlines, including Mahan Air, which Pakistan was reviewing alongside relevant stakeholders. Coordination with the Ministry of Commerce is ongoing to assess the potential effects of these US sanctions on Pakistan-Iran trade relations.
Khan clarified that earlier statements attributed to the Foreign Office on the sanctions matter had been misunderstood and required further explanation. He stressed Pakistan’s role as a responsible member of the international community, committed to a rules-based system grounded in multilateralism and international law. The country maintains ongoing, constructive dialogue with all relevant parties.
Highlighting Pakistan’s strategic partnership with the United States, Khan described the relationship as enduring and multifaceted, with Islamabad fully dedicated to strengthening diplomatic, economic, and security cooperation with Washington. He reiterated Pakistan’s adherence to established international practices and frameworks.
In a significant development, Pakistan will persist in its role as a mediator between Iran and the US. Khan underscored the importance of urging both nations to exercise restraint, resolve disputes through diplomacy, and honor commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Pakistan views this diplomatic approach as the sole viable path for peaceful conflict resolution and global stability.
Meanwhile, Khan rejected India’s interpretation of the Court of Arbitration’s recent award regarding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). He stated that Pakistan dismisses India’s attempts to misrepresent the ruling, noting that the court unanimously confirmed the treaty remains valid and binding for both countries.
The court also mandated that India comply with treaty obligations related to the design and operation of hydroelectric projects on western rivers. Specific restrictions were placed on India’s Ratle hydroelectric power project, prohibiting concreting above certain levels until 90 days after a neutral expert’s final decision, anticipated around July 2027. Additionally, India must report on the project’s progress.
Khan explained that the Court of Arbitration, constituted at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, had previously affirmed its jurisdiction in a July 2023 ruling and dismissed India’s objections. The court reaffirmed its authority following India’s unilateral claims about the treaty’s status, issuing an August 31, 2026, award rejecting India’s assertions. Khan emphasized that India cannot evade binding court decisions through unilateral statements or attempts to obscure its treaty obligations.
Pakistan also condemned the alleged arbitrary demolition attempts at the historic Shahi Masjid in Madhya Pradesh and the force used against protesting Muslims. Khan expressed concern over a broader pattern of actions targeting Muslim places of worship and cultural heritage in India. Pakistan called on the international community to recognize these issues and urged Indian authorities to protect minorities, their religious sites, and fundamental freedoms.
Earlier in the briefing, Khan expressed sorrow over the deaths of five crew members during a recovery operation of the hijacked vessel MT ALNAOUQ 25 off Somalia’s coast. Among the deceased were three Pakistani nationals: Rafiullah Khan, Syed Kashif Umar, and Mahmood Ahmad Ansari. Four crew members, including three Pakistanis, sustained injuries and are receiving medical treatment after being transported from Bandar Beyla to Garowe.
The Pakistani government remains engaged with Somali authorities and other stakeholders to ensure medical care for the injured, repatriation of the deceased, and the safe return of surviving Pakistani crew members. Khan extended condolences to the families on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan.
Regarding India-Pakistan engagement, Khan welcomed the visit of India’s national coordinator to an SCO meeting in Islamabad, noting that senior Indian officials had not visited Pakistan in over two years. The Indian official showed interest in visiting additional Pakistani cities, including Sialkot, Faisalabad, and Lahore. Khan highlighted that the visit reflects shared goals among SCO members in promoting peace, development, connectivity, trade, and transit, expressing hope for continued regional participation in upcoming events in Islamabad.
The briefing also covered Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s recent diplomatic meetings. On September 18, Dar met with Turkish Ambassador Irfan Neziroglu to discuss regional developments and progress in bilateral institutional mechanisms. He also met British High Commissioner Jane Marriott to review Pakistan-UK relations, outcomes from his recent UK visit, and strategies to enhance cooperation on Sindh’s coastal transformation.
Khan spotlighted the Sindh Coastal Resilience Project as a new collaborative initiative with the International Fund for Agricultural Development, supported by the Asian Development Bank and Green Climate Fund. This project aims to address climate vulnerabilities in Sindh’s coastal districts through coordinated efforts among provincial departments and partners, focusing on transparency, accountability, and delivering tangible benefits to local communities.
