Pakistan reiterated its dedication to diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions between the United States and Iran, emphasizing ongoing engagement with international partners to foster regional stability. During a weekly briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi highlighted Pakistan’s belief in negotiations and diplomacy as essential tools for achieving peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
In this context, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has conducted telephone discussions with the leaders of Qatar and Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has maintained communication with foreign ministers from several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, China, Austria, and Singapore. Notably, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed strong support for Pakistan’s diplomatic role during a phone call with DPM Dar, underscoring the importance of a sustainable ceasefire and ongoing dialogue.
Since the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East on February 28, following coordinated strikes by the US and Israel on Iran and subsequent retaliatory attacks by Tehran on Israel and US military bases, Pakistan has played a crucial mediatory role. Islamabad facilitated a two-week ceasefire beginning April 8 and hosted delegations from both sides for peace talks, although these negotiations did not result in a permanent resolution.
In a significant development, Pakistan continues to mediate between Washington and Tehran, recently forwarding Iran’s response to the US proposal for lasting peace. The Foreign Office spokesperson affirmed, “The US-Iran peace process is underway. We are engaged in it and remain hopeful.” Addressing reports about an Iranian aircraft in Pakistan, Andrabi dismissed them as misleading and sensationalized, clarifying that the aircraft arrived in Islamabad during the ceasefire for diplomatic and administrative purposes.
Regarding Pakistan’s relations with Gulf countries, the spokesperson emphasized that defense ties with brotherly nations are grounded in institutional frameworks and long-term policies, unaffected by individual visits or regional developments. On reports of deportations from the United Arab Emirates, Andrabi described the figures as exaggerated, noting the importance of considering the overall Pakistani population residing in the UAE.
Citing an interior ministry statement, he stated that the reports were deemed “mala fide” after reviewing available data. The ministry clarified that any deportations are routine, conducted in accordance with host countries’ laws and regulations, typically involving violations such as overstaying or illegal documentation, and are not targeted at any specific country or sect.
