Pakistan says US midterm results won't unravel ties

Islamabad signals sustained strategic engagement with Washington

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan will continue to push for maintaining close relations with the United States irrespective of which party holds power in Washington, as the Democrats swept the US midterm elections, dealing a major political setback to President Donald Trump and his Republican Party.

The Foreign Office on Friday said Pakistan viewed the United States as an important partner and would continue to engage with both sides of the political divide, signalling that Islamabad's approach to Washington would remain guided by long-term strategic and economic interests rather than political changes in the US administration.

"We have maintained excellent relations with all governments, irrespective of who is in power, and this will continue," Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said during his weekly briefing.

He identified trade, investment, security, counterterrorism and investment in minerals as key areas of cooperation between the two countries.

The briefing also focused on Pakistan's continuing diplomatic efforts to prevent a renewed escalation of the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, amid concerns over possible fresh military action against Tehran.

Responding to questions about the prospects for renewed US-Iran negotiations, the spokesperson said Pakistan had extended all possible facilitation in its capacity as an honest mediator.

He described the signing of the Islamabad MoU as a significant achievement, saying Pakistan had brought two countries to the negotiating table after decades without direct engagement.

"The fact that we were able to bring the two countries, which had not even been talking to each other for the past 47 years, to the same table for discussions, culminating in the successful signing of the Islamabad MoU, is a testament to Pakistan's commitment to building peace and promoting peace and stability in our region," he said.

Haider said Pakistan would continue facilitating diplomatic engagement, adding that peace could only be achieved through political dialogue rather than military confrontation.

Asked whether there was a specific opportunity to secure a permanent end to the conflict, he said mediation remained an ongoing process, with Pakistan, Qatar and other regional countries playing active roles.

He also identified Israel as one of the actors undermining regional peace when asked about potential spoilers in the diplomatic process.

"Well, you have mentioned one name yourself. There could be others, but I am sure that peace in the region is certainly not in Israel's interest," he said.

The spokesperson also confirmed that a Pakistani-linked liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier had been struck by projectiles while transiting the Persian Gulf near the Strait of Hormuz, but said no crew members were injured.

He identified the vessel as Al Maida, registered in the Marshall Islands, operated by QatarEnergy and carrying LNG destined for Karachi.

According to the Foreign Office, the vessel was hit last Friday night while travelling eastbound through the Persian Gulf in international waters. It was carrying 25 crew members from different countries, including Pakistanis.

The incident caused a small fire onboard, but all crew members remained unharmed. The vessel subsequently returned safely to Qatar.

"The concerned Pakistani authorities are coordinating with the relevant parties to establish further details of the incident," Haider said.

However, the spokesperson was less forthcoming on the continuing disruption of cross-border trade between Pakistan and Iran, with traders and transporters facing difficulties following the closure of border crossings.

Despite repeated questions about the status of the crossings and the reasons for the disruption, he declined to provide a specific explanation.

Initially, he said the Foreign Office would check the situation with the Ministry of Commerce. When pressed again after the ministry referred journalists back to the Foreign Office, Haider said: "My comment is that I have nothing further to add on this matter."

He did clarify that there was no general ban on Pakistani pilgrims travelling to Iran by land, although recent security concerns and clashes along the border had disrupted their movement.

The spokesperson said Pakistan was also examining a reported US plan to deport Afghan nationals through Pakistan, but stopped short of confirming any arrivals or a final arrangement.

"The matter is currently under consideration, and all relevant aspects are being carefully examined in consultation with the concerned stakeholders. We are hopeful that a mutually agreeable way forward will be reached," he said.

Clarifying reports that Afghan refugees were expected to arrive in Pakistan by air, he said he had not confirmed that the individuals were arriving or had already arrived.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office reiterated Pakistan's willingness to facilitate Indian religious pilgrims despite the strained relations between the two neighbouring countries.

Haider said Pakistan had issued 9,318 visas to Indian religious pilgrims in 2025, including 9,070 Sikh pilgrims and 248 Hindu pilgrims. A further 4,002 visas had been issued to Sikh pilgrims during the first half of 2026.

"Pakistan welcomes pilgrims of all faiths and recognizes the deep spiritual significance that visits to religious sites hold for devotees and their families," he said.

Preparations were underway to receive Sikh pilgrims for the 557th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji at Nankana Sahib later this month.

The spokesperson said the Kartarpur Corridor remained open from Pakistan's side, despite India suspending pilgrim movement through the crossing since May 2025.

He said Pakistan remained ready to facilitate visa-free visits by up to 5,000 pilgrims daily under the 2019 agreement, but the resumption of movement depended on India's decision.

"It is now for India to decide whether it allows Indian Sikhs to undertake this religious pilgrimage to Kartarpur Sahib," he said.

Haider added that Pakistan had not imposed a visa ban on Indian nationals and would continue facilitating visits to religious sites under the existing arrangements.