By Our Diplomatic Correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to promoting regional peace and stability through diplomacy and dialogue, saying it remained actively engaged with regional and international partners to support de-escalation efforts and constructive engagement.
Speaking at the weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan believed that constructive partnerships and sincere dialogue are essential to advancing peace, security and shared prosperity for all.
He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held telephonic conversations during the past week with the leaders of Qatar and Azerbaijan, during which views were exchanged on the evolving regional situation and Pakistan’s peace efforts through diplomacy.
The spokesperson said the prime minister also conveyed best wishes to the president of Azerbaijan for the upcoming World Urban Forum.
He said UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for the Middle East Conflict, Jean Arnault, called on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for regional peace and stability.
According to the spokesperson, Ishaq Dar discussed recent regional developments and Pakistan’s engagement with all relevant parties to promote dialogue and de-escalation, while expressing gratitude to the UN Secretary-General for continued support toward Pakistan.
The spokesperson said the deputy prime minister and foreign minister remained actively engaged with his counterparts as part of Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach.
On May 8, Ishaq Dar held separate conversations with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi regarding the welfare and repatriation of Pakistani and Iranian seafarers aboard vessels seized by US authorities near Singaporean waters.
He said Ishaq Dar also spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on May 11 to discuss the evolving regional situation and matters of mutual interest.
The Saudi foreign minister appreciated Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic role and supported Islamabad’s efforts to promote regional peace and stability, particularly amid ongoing engagement between Iran and the United States, the spokesperson added.
Both sides also emphasized the importance of maritime security, including safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
On May 12, Ishaq Dar held telephonic conversations with Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on regional developments and Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate Iran-US engagement.
The spokesperson rejected media reports suggesting that China had asked Pakistan to “do more” regarding mediation efforts, saying Foreign Minister Wang Yi had instead appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role and expressed full support for its efforts.
Responding to questions, the spokesperson termed voices within India calling for dialogue a “positive development” and expressed hope that “sanity will prevail” over warmongering and belligerence.
He also welcomed the upcoming visit of US President Donald Trump to China, saying Pakistan supported engagement and cooperation between the two countries on global matters.
On reports regarding Iranian aircraft at Nur Khan Airbase, the spokesperson categorically rejected a CBS News report as “misleading and speculative,” clarifying that the aircraft arrived during the ceasefire period for diplomatic and logistical purposes linked to the Islamabad Talks and had no military role.
The spokesperson said Pakistan had summoned the Afghan Chargé d’Affaires following the terrorist attack on Fateh Khel Police Post in Bannu on May 9 that resulted in the martyrdom of 15 police personnel.
He said preliminary investigations and technical intelligence indicated that the attack was orchestrated by terrorists operating from Afghan soil. Pakistan urged Afghan authorities to take immediate action against terrorist groups including Fitna-al-Khawarij, Fitna-al-Hindustan and ISKP/Daesh.
On Somalia, the spokesperson said Pakistani nationals held by Somali pirates remained safe, according to information shared by Somali authorities, although they continued to face harsh living conditions.
He said a two-member team from Pakistan’s Embassy in Djibouti visited Mogadishu and held meetings with Somali officials and maritime authorities regarding the matter.
The spokesperson explained that Somali pirates negotiate directly with ship owners rather than governments, adding that Pakistan remained engaged with Somali authorities for the safe and early release of its nationals.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s position on Taiwan, the spokesperson said Pakistan remained firmly committed to the One-China principle and considered Taiwan an inalienable part of China.
He also welcomed Australia’s designation of the BLA as a terrorist entity, calling it a result of Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement and growing international recognition of the group’s terrorist activities.
