The Foreign Office Spokesperson, Tahir Hussain Andrabi, has stated that Pakistan will continue to make diplomatic efforts for regional stability, peace, and reduced tensions. In his weekly briefing, Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi expressed concern over the Middle East situation, strongly condemned attacks on Iran, and urged parties to demonstrate tolerance and restraint. The Foreign Office Spokesperson stated that the Prime Minister’s visit to Saudi Arabia was a gesture of close consultations between the two countries and was part of the efforts to address regional security concerns.
According to the Spokesperson, Pakistan will continue to make efforts for negotiations and diplomacy. He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had telephoned Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, expressed condolences on the demise of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and congratulated Ebrahim Raisi on assuming the new position. The Spokesperson stated that Pakistan’s claim of a plane being downed by Afghanistan is completely false. The Foreign Office Spokesperson stated that Pakistan had strongly condemned attacks on Iran by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and Azerbaijan, and expressed solidarity with the affected countries.
Pakistan emphasized the importance of upholding the UN Charter, international law, and restoring dialogue for conflict resolution. The Spokesperson expressed sorrow and regret over the loss of Pakistani citizens in the UAE and stated that the Pakistani diplomatic mission had cooperated with affected families for the repatriation of their loved ones. The Foreign Office has a 24-hour crisis management unit to assist Pakistanis stranded in various countries.
The Spokesperson stated that Pakistan had clearly stated that Afghan soil should not be used against Pakistan. However, since Afghanistan failed to provide credible assurances, Pakistan will maintain its current policy towards Afghanistan. The Foreign Office Spokesperson stated that the issue of Iranian oil tankers is between Iran and the relevant governments, and Pakistan has no specific stance on the matter.
In the ongoing Iran-India dispute, Pakistan cannot make direct comments. The Spokesperson stated that diplomatic relations with the US are ongoing at the ambassadorial level, with continuous contact between the Washington embassy and the Islamabad embassy. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the Prime Minister will leave for Saudi Arabia after meeting with the Saudi Crown Prince.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori stated that no one can stay in a position for their entire life, and he does not want to be a deaf-mute or a caretaker governor. Pakistani Ambassador to Japan, Abdul Hamid, stated that overseas Pakistanis are a valuable asset to the country, promoting a positive image of Pakistan through their contributions and hard work.
The closure of the Peshawar consulate is expected to save approximately $750,000 annually, and it will not negatively impact Pakistan’s ability to advance US national interests. According to Minister of Information Technology, Aamir Mehmood Ayub, the government has instructed the Foreign Ministry to request Iranian authorities to ensure the security of Pakistani ships.
