Key Points
- Pakistan supports early reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
- Islamabad is maintaining contact with all relevant stakeholders to help ease US-Iran tensions
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed peace efforts and regional developments during his recent visit to Saudi Arabia
- Pakistan condemns unprovoked firing by Afghan Taliban in South Waziristan
- Concerns raised over the continued detention of Kashmiri leaders Yasin Malik and Shabbir Ahmed Shah
- Pakistan is coordinating with Somalia over the hijacking of an oil tanker and hostage situation involving Pakistani sailors.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan remains actively engaged in diplomatic efforts with both the United States and Iran to promote peace and stability in the region and beyond, the Foreign Office said on Thursday, reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to dialogue amid ongoing tensions.
During a media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said the closure of the Strait of Hormuz affects the entire world
He added that the Strait is a key transit route for maritime trade and oil shipments, reiterating support for an early restoration of normal maritime flow in the region.
He stressed that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is vital for global energy supplies, trade flows, and the movement of goods, expressing hope that ongoing negotiations would succeed and the key maritime route would soon be fully restored.
Andrabi added that Pakistan remains in contact with all relevant stakeholders, noting that both fresh and earlier proposals are currently under discussion.
He said Islamabad hopes these efforts will help bridge differences between the United States and Iran and ultimately bring an end to hostilities between the two sides, allowing peace to prevail.
🔴LIVE: Spokesperson’s Weekly Press Briefing 30-04-2026 at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad https://t.co/uRWNNmyA3m
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 30, 2026
PM visit to Saudi Arabia
The Spokesperson said earlier this month Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was in Saudi Arabia for extensive discussions with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammad bin Salman, where he shared developments related to Pakistan’s peace efforts that led to the US-Iran ceasefire, and the first round of historic talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad.
He added that the Saudi Crown Prince appreciated the constructive role played by the Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to end the US-Iran conflict.
The Spokesperson said the Prime Minister thanked the Crown Prince for Saudi support to Pakistan’s economic stability.
Afghan Taliban unprovoked firing
The Foreign Office spokesperson strongly condemned the unprovoked firing and shelling by the Afghan Taliban in the border areas of South Waziristan adjoining Bannu district, including Angoor Adda. He added that efforts are underway to safeguard local communities and prevent any further escalation.
Indian atrocities in IIOJK
Responding to a question, Tahir Andrabi voiced concern over the continued detention of Kashmiri leader Yasin Malik, as well as the re-arrest and repeated extensions in a decades-old case against veteran leader Shabbir Ahmed Shah.
He urged the international community to take notice of the situation and play its role in pressing India to ensure the immediate release of Shabbir Ahmed Shah, Yasin Malik and other political prisoners detained for advocating human rights and political freedoms.
Andrabi also strongly condemned what he described as India’s illegal actions related to the reported ban and sealing of Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom. He said targeting such a well-regarded institution in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir reflects a broader policy by the authorities to undermine the region’s socio-cultural and religious identity.
He added that these developments indicate a continuing rise in Islamophobia in IIOJK and across India, which he said is part of a wider pattern driven by a far-right Hindutva agenda.
Pakistan in contact with Somalia over sailors held by pirates
Pakistan is in contact with the Somali government following the hijacking of an oil tanker carrying Pakistani sailors, Andrabi said.
Armed pirates seized the vessel near the Somali coast last week, taking 11 Pakistani crew members along with the Indonesian captain hostage.
He said the pirates have also established contact with the ship’s owner.
Detention of Pakistanis in Cambodia
Following a raid on a suspected “scamming compound” in Cambodia, the Foreign Office spokesperson said the number of detained Pakistani nationals has risen to 84, including 76 men and eight women.
He added that all detainees are safe and that Cambodian authorities have assured full cooperation, with the Pakistani Embassy granted consular access.
The spokesperson said Deputy Head of Mission Bilal Mohsin has met the detainees, while Cambodian officials are providing them with food and medical care.
He noted that most of the Pakistanis had travelled to Cambodia after being lured by fake job offers, with some found working illegally on tourist visas and others overstaying their permitted stay.
