FO reaffirms commitment to dialogue, rejects ‘misleading’ int'l media reports on regional tensions
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi speaking at the FO weekly press briefing. SCREENGRAB
Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi on Thursday said Pakistan remains committed to constructive engagement, dialogue and diplomatic solutions for regional peace, while rejecting "misleading international media reports" and addressing recent security concerns.
Speaking at a weekly press briefing, he said Pakistan continues to believe that “constructive partnership and sincere dialogue are essential for advancing peace and shared prosperity for all.”
The spokesperson said Pakistan “categorically rejected the CBS News report… describing it as misleading, speculative, and disconnected from factual context.”
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Andrabi clarified that the aircraft in question arrived “during the ceasefire period… to support diplomatic engagement linked to Islamabad Talks,” including movement of diplomatic and administrative personnel. He added that the aircraft “had no connection to any military contingency whatsoever.”
He also referred to remarks by US Senator Lindsey Graham, saying Pakistan’s response was issued after the CBS report and fully clarified its position despite timing differences.
The statement comes after a CBS News report published on Monday alleged that Pakistan, despite positioning itself as a diplomatic conduit between Iran and the United States, "quietly allowed Iranian military aircraft to park on its airfields, potentially shielding them from American airstrikes." The claims were made citing US officials who reportedly retained knowledge of the matter, the news agency said.
Andrabi said that Pakistan remains committed to “the principles of diplomacy, dialogue, and sovereign equalities of respect of sovereignty and territorial independence of all states.”
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Outlining recent diplomatic activity, the spokesperson said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held telephone conversations with leaders of Qatar and Azerbaijan over the past week.
Andrabi said the discussions focused on “evolving regional situation and ongoing peace efforts by Pakistan to advance peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy.” The prime minister also extended best wishes to Azerbaijan’s leadership for the upcoming World Urban Forum.
The spokesperson said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar remained actively engaged in regional diplomacy.
Andrabi noted that UN secretary general’s envoy for the Middle East conflict Jan Arnaud met the DPM this week, and “conveyed the secretary general’s deep appreciation for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting regional peace and stability.”
He added that Pakistan had “highlighted its ongoing engagements with all relevant parties to advance dialogue and de-escalation,” while expressing gratitude for UN support.
The spokesperson further said Dar held multiple telephone conversations with foreign ministers across the region, including Singapore, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Austria, and China.
He said discussions included Pakistan’s efforts on “Iran-US engagement for peace and stability” and coordination on maritime security, including the Strait of Hormuz.
Following a call with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, both sides agreed on “the importance of safeguarding maritime security, including in the Strait of Hormuz,” and to maintain close coordination.
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After a conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both sides reaffirmed support for diplomacy and stressed “the importance of a durable ceasefire and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.”
Responding to media reports about the China call, the spokesperson rejected claims that Beijing had urged Pakistan to “do more” in mediation efforts. He said, “I wish to place on record that such reports somewhat misrepresent the call, both in letter and in spirit.”
He added that the conversation was held in “traditional warmth and cordiality,” and that China had expressed “full support for Pakistan’s constructive mediation role.”
The briefing also addressed the recent terrorist attack on a police post in Bannu. The spokesperson said the Afghan chargé d’affaires in Islamabad was summoned and a strong demarche was delivered.
Pakistan condemned the attack on the Fateh Khel police post, which resulted in the martyrdom of 15 police personnel and injuries to several others.
He said preliminary investigations indicated the attack was “orchestrated by terrorists emanating from Afghan soil.” Pakistan urged Afghan authorities to take “immediate, concrete and verifiable action” against terrorist groups, including ISKP and others operating from the region.
The spokesperson concluded that Pakistan remains firmly committed to national security and will continue efforts to “decisively eliminate all terrorist network facilitators and enablers threatening the country’s peace and stability.”
On regional diplomacy, he said Pakistan is observing calls for dialogue emerging in India and views them as a positive development, while awaiting a constructive response from New Delhi. He added that there is no confirmation of any track-two or backchannel engagement at this stage.
On security developments along the Line of Control and incidents in Kishtwar, he said the situation involves both human rights and security dimensions, adding that Pakistani forces remain vigilant along the LoC.