Pakistan upbeat on possible US‑Iran deal soon to bring peace to region, world: FO
Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi speaking at a press briefing today on Thursday, March 26. PHOTO: SCREENGRAB
Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Thursday that Islamabad was optimistic about a peace agreement between the United States and Iran and expected a deal to be struck “soon” to bring peace to the region and the world, even though no timeline had been confirmed.
“We remain optimistic, and… expect an agreement sooner rather than later. We hope the parties will reach a peaceful and sustainable solution that brings peace not just to our region but to the world at large,” said Andrabi during a weekly press briefing in Islamabad.
He told reporters that Pakistan would welcome a settlement between Iran and the US wherever it may be reached. “If an agreement is reached in Pakistan, it would be an honour for us,” he said.
Andrabi didn’t go into the specifics behind those expectations, declining to confirm reports about a potential memorandum of understanding that US and Iranian officials are reportedly inching towards. He did not confirm the document's length either.
The spokesperson reiterated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the “timely announcement” regarding the pause in "Project Freedom" on Wednesday in a post on X, noting that Pakistan remained committed to supporting all efforts that promote restraint and the peaceful resolution of conflict between the US and Iran through dialogue and diplomacy.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi is addressing weekly news briefing in #Islamabad https://t.co/Rd5K0g2CFc
Andrabi added that “working with the same spirit of optimism and positive engagement”, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar worked with his counterparts throughout the last week in the pursuit of peace, diplomacy and a settlement between Washington and Tehran.
He said that, as CBM by the US, 22 crew members held from the seized Iranian container ship MV Touska were evacuated to Pakistan and later sent to Iran, which was coordinated with the support of both the Iranian and US sides.
Andrabi also highlighted a joint statement by the foreign ministers of Turkiye, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, Jordan, Libya, Malaysia, Spain, and South Africa regarding the Israeli assault on the Global Samud Flotilla.
On the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, reiterating Pakistan's desire for dialogue and diplomacy, he made it clear that Pakistan would respond with full strength and all available means if aggression was imposed on it, as it was exactly one year ago.
“Pakistan’s position on every issue is firmly anchored in international law, the UN Charter, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. We do not talk of war or clashes; we talk of dialogue and diplomacy. However, if aggression is imposed on us as it was exactly one year ago, Pakistan will respond with full strength and all means available,” Andrabi said.
He called the Operation Bunyanum-Marsoos a “defining moment” in the national journey, which was not just about remembering the past but about shaping the future.
“Because the spirit of Marka-e-Haq lives not just in our history, but in each of us,” he remarked.
Andrabi said that Pakistan had always understood the importance of diplomacy, dialogue, and the peaceful settlement of all bilateral issues with India.
“Pakistan has never shied away from dialogue with India on any issue. The fact that dialogue has not taken place cannot be blamed on Pakistan. We have repeatedly expressed our readiness for dialogue. However, it takes two to dialogue, and for it to be meaningful, it must be a dialogue and not a monologue. It is for everyone to judge who is responsible for the absence of dialogue.”
He said that Pakistan’s response under Operation Bunyanum Marsoos was measured, lawful, and in line with the UN Charter.
He said that FM Dar also briefed the Diplomatic Corps on the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, wherein he highlighted that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remained central to regional stability and called for its resolution under the UN auspices through an impartially held plebiscite, besides cautioning against any unilateral action on the Indus Waters Treaty.
He said that peace and security in South Asia remained a concern for international partners, as the belligerent statements emanating from New Delhi were a cause of concern.
Spokesperson said that the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq was an occasion to reinforce the national resolve that the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of the country would be defended with all means possible and with full resolve.
On the IWT, the spokesperson said that Pakistan would explore all legal and political mechanisms enshrined in the Treaty and under international law to secure its rights over the waters of the Indus Basin.
“All options remain on the table. Some are already underway through the Indus Waters Commissioners. We are closely monitoring the implementation of the Treaty and documenting all variations in river flows. All efforts are being made to ensure that not a single drop of water that is Pakistan’s right is taken away.”
Commenting on the Indian arms build-up and force modernisation, the spokesperson said that Pakistan was mindful of the impact of India’s force modernisation on strategic stability in South Asia.
“Our military preparedness and our own acquisitions of technologies would be sufficient to maintain our robust defence, robust military preparations and maintain our credible minimum deterrence vis-a-vis India.”
On Pak-Afghan relations, he welcomed the agreements among tribal elders in Bajaur and Chitral but reiterated that the single issue of terrorism emanating from Afghan soil was holding back the bilateral relations.
He said if the Taliban administration provides credible assurances that Afghan soil would not be used against Pakistan, all other issues between the two nations could be resolved easily.
Andrabi also told the media that 49 of 54 Pakistanis detained in Cambodia, following a raid on a scamming compound, had returned, and the remaining three would return soon.
Moreover, about 85 Pakistani nationals, detained in Kampala on April 27 for engaging in unauthorised employment while on visit visas, he said that Pakistan’s embassy there engaged with the relevant authorities and ensured their expeditious repatriation by Wednesday.
To another question about the MV Abdullah vessel hijacked by Somali pirates, also carrying 10 Pakistanis on board, he said the individuals had not yet been released as a direct contact was made on Wednesday with the Somali authorities, who assured us that they were negotiating with the pirates for the release of all individuals.