ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reiterated its readiness to engage in dialogue with India on all outstanding issues, including the longstanding Kashmir dispute, but stressed that the decision now lies with New Delhi.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan made the remarks during his weekly press briefing on Thursday.
Speaking about upcoming diplomatic engagements, the spokesperson noted that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is currently on an official visit to the United States.
He added that Dar will hold a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday to discuss regional and global issues, including Iran and ongoing ceasefire efforts.
Iranian President’s visit to Pakistan
He clarified that the Iranian President’s visit to Pakistan has not been cancelled, and the dates are currently being finalised.
Shafqat Ali Khan reaffirmed the strength of Pakistan-Iran relations and said key matters will be addressed during the visit.
However, he added that it is too early to confirm whether the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline will be included on the agenda.
Pakistan at UN
The diplomat said on Pakistan’s position at the United Nations, Ishaq Dar reaffirmed the country’s commitment to sustainable development, economic reform, and climate action.
He also held in-depth talks with the UN Secretary-General on key regional and global challenges, including the Indus Waters Treaty, the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, and the importance of multilateral approaches to conflict resolution.
Shafqat Ali Khan highlighted that during Pakistan’s presidency of the UN Security Council, Resolution 2788 was adopted, promoting the peaceful resolution of global conflicts.
Ties with Afghanistan
Commenting on Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s recent visit to Afghanistan, Khan stated that bilateral relations have improved, though the presence of terrorist safe havens remains a key concern under discussion.
He also noted that plans are in progress for a future visit by the Afghan Foreign Minister to Pakistan, and that bilateral trade is on the rise.
In response to a question about BRICS membership, Khan confirmed that Pakistan is actively pursuing efforts to join the organisation.
Condemnation of Israeli airstrikes in Syria
Shafqat Ali Khan condemned recent Israeli airstrikes in Syria, calling them “unprovoked” and a “dangerous escalatory path”.
“Pakistan condemns in the strongest possible terms the Israeli attacks against the Syrian Arab Republic in contravention of international law and principles of the UN Charter,” he said.
“These unprovoked attacks mark a dangerous escalatory path being pursued by Israel in the region with impunity,” he warned.
“Pakistan expresses its full support for the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity of Syria and calls on the international community to prevent Israel from its acts of aggression that continue to undermine peace and stability in the entire region.”
Reiterating Pakistan’s position, Shafqat Ali Khan said the country stands in full solidarity with the brotherly people of Syria and reaffirms its strong support for lasting peace and stability in the country and in the region.
Israeli aggression in Gaza
He said Pakistan condemns the continued blatant acts of aggression by Israeli forces in Gaza and Palestine, leading to the deaths of dozens of innocent civilians, including elderly women and children.
“We condemn Israel’s constant hampering of adequate and safe access to food, water and basic necessities to the people of Gaza and Palestine,” he noted.
He added that as per the United Nations agency for Palestinians, UNRWA, 1 in 10 children in Gaza is malnourished due to Israel’s siege of the enclave, leading to an anthropogenic starvation crisis.
“Pakistan reiterates its call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire; an end to Israel’s unabated massacre of the Palestinian people; lifting of the inhumane siege; and expeditious delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people,” Shafqat Ali Khan said.
Thailand, Cambodia clashes
Commenting on recent clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, the spokesperson said Pakistan is monitoring the situation and supports a peaceful resolution of all disputes.
