Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering peace between the United States and Iran after a recent exchange of military strikes ended a month-long period of relative calm. At a weekly press briefing on Wednesday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi emphasized that despite the latest escalation, Pakistan remains optimistic and dedicated to promoting dialogue and diplomacy.
Notably, the renewed hostilities mark the conclusion of a phase since July during which both Washington and Tehran refrained from direct attacks, although substantive talks were absent. Andrabi highlighted that both sides have engaged in armed actions and retaliatory measures, with Islamabad closely monitoring the evolving situation.
He explained that conflicts such as this typically progress through phases of de-escalation, calm, ceasefire, and eventually negotiations. Describing the current surge in violence as “concerning and undesirable,” Andrabi insisted that Pakistan’s hope for peace remains intact. He also clarified that this escalation should not be seen as a failure of Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives, which continue with full sincerity to aid in conflict resolution.
In a significant development, Andrabi pointed to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on June 18, as a 14-point interim framework designed to facilitate a return to negotiations. Pakistan has actively supported communication between the parties under this agreement, which allows for the resumption of talks at political and technical levels to seek a sustainable resolution once tensions ease.
He stressed that the peace framework under the Islamabad MoU remains valid and effective, dismissing any notion that it has become defunct. Andrabi noted that strong rhetoric from both sides during heightened tensions is common, but Islamabad continues to hope for a revival of diplomatic engagement.
Further underscoring Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, Andrabi referenced the recent visit of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to Tehran. This visit aimed to reduce regional tensions and inject momentum into the peace process. Subsequent visits by leaders from Oman and Qatar have also reflected ongoing diplomatic activity to resolve the conflict.
Turning to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), Andrabi highlighted a ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which reaffirmed the treaty’s full enforcement and binding nature, rejecting India’s attempt to suspend it unilaterally. The court declared that India’s decision to place the treaty in abeyance was unjustified and that a neutral expert appointed by the World Bank will assess by July 2027 whether hydroelectric projects in the Himalayas comply with the treaty.
India had suspended the treaty following deadly violence in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in April 2025, accusing Pakistan of involvement—a claim Pakistan has denied. A US-brokered ceasefire followed intense fighting in May. Andrabi described the court’s unanimous decision as a crucial affirmation of the IWT’s sanctity and international law, confirming that India remains obligated under the treaty and that its dispute-resolution mechanisms are operational.
He also noted an interim measure regarding the Ratle Hydro-Electric Power project, which reinforced that treaty rights cannot be altered through unilateral actions. Pakistan welcomed these authoritative rulings, which align with its consistent stance that IWT disputes must be resolved within the treaty’s framework and international legal standards.
On the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, Andrabi said its Strategic Political and Defence Committee held its first meeting in Istanbul on August 31. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye agreed to institutionalize their cooperation, enhance collective defense, and bolster joint security efforts. The countries reaffirmed their dedication to regional peace through crisis resolution and tension reduction.
A secretariat for the agreement will be established in Saudi Arabia, with the initial secretary-general appointed from Pakistan for a three-year term. The partners plan to expand collaboration in defense industries, joint technology development, and military capability enhancement.
Regarding Pakistan’s role in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Andrabi stated that Pakistan’s chairmanship theme focuses on transforming vision into action through connectivity, innovation, and shared prosperity. Pakistan will work closely with member states to promote regional peace, economic cooperation, and connectivity during its one-year tenure, which includes hosting the SCO summit next year.
On Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Kyrgyzstan, Andrabi reported that the premier met with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Japarov in Bishkek. The two countries signed agreements and memoranda of understanding covering trade, economic cooperation, investment, and other sectors. The leaders also held a joint press conference addressing bilateral relations. Prior to this, the prime minister participated in the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting and the SCO Plus summit, engaging with various world leaders.
Deputy Prime Minister Dar also conducted meetings with the SCO secretary-general and the UN secretary-general during the visit.
Addressing the case of Kashmiri leader Yasin Malik, Andrabi expressed Pakistan’s outright rejection of the trial and sentencing, labeling the proceedings politically motivated and lacking fundamental justice. Pakistan intends to continue highlighting Malik’s case in international and multilateral forums while urging global attention to the matter. The spokesperson conveyed Pakistan’s prayers for Malik’s health and longevity and paid tribute to veteran Kashmiri leader Syed Ali Geelani.
Regarding the Afghan ambassador’s recent visit to the National Defence University, Andrabi described it as a routine academic engagement, cautioning against overinterpreting its significance in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. He also noted that the Chinese special representative for Afghanistan visited Pakistan from August 31 to September 1 and held discussions with Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq.
