The Foreign Office has dismissed allegations that Chief of Defence Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir traveled to Iran on August 24 as a representative of the United States government. Instead, the visit was part of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to facilitate dialogue between the US and Iran, reflecting Islamabad’s ongoing mediation role since the outbreak of conflict earlier this year.
Addressing the matter, the Foreign Office spokesperson emphasized that claims portraying Munir as an envoy of former US President Donald Trump or the US government are inaccurate and misleading. The visit was conducted solely within the framework of Pakistan’s active engagement in regional diplomacy.
He further explained that the trip aimed to support efforts to resolve tensions between Iran and the US and to assist in reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. This initiative underscored Pakistan’s principled and constructive involvement in regional peace processes, which was positively received by Iranian officials.
Regarding Afghanistan, the spokesperson welcomed the Afghan government’s proposal to maintain open dialogue but stressed that the success of such talks depends on concrete actions rather than promises. He reiterated Pakistan’s stance that Afghan territory must not be used to launch terrorist activities against Pakistan.
Pakistan continues to back the Doha framework and remains prepared for institutional cooperation with Afghanistan on counter-terrorism and border security. However, concerns persist over hostile groups such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), with calls for verifiable counter-terrorism measures.
On the matter of the Makkah Defence Agreement, the spokesperson noted that Bangladesh has shown interest in joining, alongside Iran and Syria, whose foreign minister has also expressed a desire to participate. The evolving security arrangement remains open to nations committed to shared security responsibilities, with any formal requests subject to consultations with Ankara and Riyadh.
Discussion also covered Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s recent visit to the United Kingdom, where he sought international support for the release of Pakistani maritime workers held hostage. Dar engaged with the International Maritime Organisation’s Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez, urging intervention to secure the sailors’ freedom.
Since April, ten Pakistani seafarers have been held captive following the hijacking of the Palau-flagged oil tanker MT Honour 25 off Puntland, Somalia. The hostages include seven Indonesians, the vessel’s captain, as well as one Indian and one Sri Lankan national. Negotiations have stalled amid a ransom demand reportedly around $3 million.
Looking ahead, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, where he will hold bilateral meetings with various leaders. Pakistan is set to host the SCO in 2027, and the Prime Minister will also engage with Kyrgyz officials during the visit.
The spokesperson highlighted that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held talks with his counterparts from Kuwait, Egypt, and Turkey, emphasizing the role of diplomacy in managing regional developments. Additionally, Pakistan and Syria discussed the recent visit of the Syrian foreign minister to Islamabad—the first since Syria’s new government formation—focusing on institutional cooperation and reaffirming Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Pakistan, alongside Arab and other Islamic nations, condemned Israel’s rejection of a comprehensive peace plan for Gaza. The country remains committed to ending the conflict, supporting the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, and endorsing a two-state solution. Eleven countries joined Pakistan in condemning an Israeli strike in Syria.
On bilateral relations with France, discussions covered multilateral issues such as peacekeeping and counter-terrorism, with Pakistan’s delegation led by Ambassador Nabeel Munir. Furthermore, Pakistan will chair the final session of the 2026 Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, aiming to finalize the conference’s report.
Expressing solidarity with Nepal, the spokesperson conveyed national sorrow over the recent floods and the resulting loss and devastation.
