ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to mediate between the United States and Iran have gained international recognition, with both sides remaining willing to continue dialogue, while no date has yet been finalised for a second round of talks, the Foreign Office said on Thursday
Addressing a weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said Pakistan’s “constructive and proactive role” in de-escalating tensions has been acknowledged in diplomatic circles, with Islamabad maintaining communication channels between Tehran and Washington during a critical phase.
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He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Defence Forces General Asim Munir have remained in close contact with both sides. He also confirmed that the defence chief had arrived in Tehran as part of continued diplomatic engagement.
According to the spokesperson, recent talks between the United States and Iran lasted around 21 hours, while the overall engagement extended to nearly 30 hours.
He described the outcome as “no breakthrough and no breakdown”, indicating that both sides remain open to further dialogue.
Andrabi said Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach has been widely appreciated by global leaders, with officials from Qatar, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Canada among those acknowledging Islamabad’s peace efforts.
He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is currently on a three-nation visit from April 15 to 18, which includes Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Türkiye. The prime minister is also expected to participate in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where he will engage with world leaders on key regional and global issues.
The spokesperson said that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Sharif in Jeddah, where the two leaders discussed regional developments, including ongoing mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran.
On regional tensions, the Foreign Office criticised India’s decision to promote Colonel Purohit, a convict in the Samjhauta Express case, calling it a reflection of “state-sponsored terrorism” and a denial of justice.
It also condemned incidents of mob violence in Indian-administered Kashmir and urged the international community to take notice.
The spokesperson rejected reports of proposed changes to electoral constituencies in Kashmir by the Indian parliament, terming any inclusion of Azad Jammu and Kashmir as illegal and in violation of international law.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s continued engagement, Andrabi said the country’s diplomatic efforts did not end with earlier talks, noting that recent visits and ongoing contacts reflect a sustained push for peace.
He said Pakistan remains in close coordination with friendly countries, including Saudi Arabia and China.
He urged the media to avoid speculation about future rounds of talks, saying no dates have been finalised, while also commending both local and international media for responsible coverage.
On bilateral ties, Andrabi dismissed reports of strained relations with the United Arab Emirates, describing it as a longstanding and trusted partner, and clarified that financial arrangements between the two countries were pre-agreed.
He also condemned a recent attack on coast guard personnel that resulted in casualties, while declining to comment on sensitive matters such as nuclear developments and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Regarding Afghanistan, the spokesperson said discussions had taken place in Urumqi and reiterated Pakistan’s position that Afghan territory must not be used for terrorism, in line with commitments under the Doha Agreement.
Concluding the briefing, Andrabi emphasised that Pakistan remains committed to facilitating dialogue and promoting peace, while maintaining confidentiality as a responsible mediator in sensitive international negotiations.
