ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Thursday reiterated the country’s commitment to diplomacy, peaceful dialogue, and regional stability, while reaffirming support for the One-China policy and highlighting ongoing diplomatic engagements on regional and international issues.
During the weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said Pakistan believes that “constructive engagement and positive negotiations are essential for promoting peace and achieving shared prosperity for all.”
He said Pakistan remains firmly committed to diplomacy, dialogue, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and equality among nations.
Pakistan-China Relations
The spokesperson reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for China on the Taiwan issue, stating that Pakistan firmly adheres to the “One-China Policy” and considers Taiwan an inseparable part of China.
He also rejected media reports suggesting that China had urged Pakistan to “do more” regarding facilitation efforts in the ongoing Iran-US dialogue process.
According to Andrabi, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi appreciated Pakistan’s mediation efforts during a recent telephone conversation with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and assured Beijing’s full support.
PM’s Visits to China and Russia
The Foreign Office spokesperson said the dates for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s planned visit to China have not yet been finalized and will be announced once confirmed.
Regarding reports about a possible visit to Russia in June, Andrabi said no final decision has been taken and discussions on the agenda are still underway.
Iran-US Talks
The spokesperson confirmed that the Iran-US peace process remains active and Pakistan continues to remain engaged and optimistic regarding diplomatic efforts.
He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had confirmed that Iran’s response was promptly conveyed to the other side after receiving the awaited proposals.
Andrabi noted that Pakistan’s mediation efforts in the Iran-US dialogue enjoy strong support from China.
Regional Diplomacy
The spokesperson highlighted extensive diplomatic engagements by Pakistan over the past week.
He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held telephone conversations with the leaders of Azerbaijan and Qatar, discussing the regional situation and Pakistan’s peace initiatives.
He added that Ishaq Dar also spoke with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and thanked him for continued support to Pakistan.
Dar also held separate conversations with the foreign ministers of Singapore, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Austria on regional peace, maritime security, and broader international cooperation.
According to the spokesperson, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud praised Pakistan’s role in promoting peace and expressed support for dialogue efforts being facilitated from Islamabad.
India-Pakistan Dialogue
Commenting on remarks made by RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale regarding dialogue with Pakistan, Andrabi said voices in India calling for negotiations are a “positive development.”
However, he clarified that Pakistan has no knowledge of any ongoing backchannel or Track-II contacts.
Security Concerns and Afghanistan
The Foreign Office said investigations into the recent attack on a police checkpoint in Bannu indicated that the planning was carried out in Afghanistan.
Pakistan has lodged a protest with Afghan authorities and reiterated its resolve to eliminate all terrorist networks and facilitators threatening the country’s peace and stability.
UAE Deportation Reports
Responding to questions regarding reports of deportations of Pakistanis from the United Arab Emirates, the spokesperson said the figures being circulated are exaggerated.
He emphasized that Pakistan and the UAE share longstanding brotherly relations and noted that a large Pakistani expatriate community continues to live in the Gulf country.
Somalia Hostage Situation
The spokesperson also confirmed that Pakistani nationals taken hostage by Somali pirates remain in captivity but are safe and receiving food supplies.
He said the pirates are negotiating with the ship owners rather than any government authorities.
Kashmir and LOC Situation
On the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and ceasefire violations along the Line of Control, Andrabi said the issues involve both human rights and security dimensions.
He added that Pakistani forces remain vigilant along the LoC.
Australia’s Ban on BLA
Pakistan also welcomed Australia’s decision to ban the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), describing the move as positive in the fight against terrorism.
