Pakistan has intensified diplomatic efforts across regions, engaging global and regional leaders to promote peace and stability.
The Foreign Office says Islamabad remains committed to dialogue, even as tensions persist across the Middle East and Afghanistan.
During the weekly briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said that talks between the Pakistan and China foreign ministers emphasized the importance of securing shipping lanes.
The spokesperson added that the Pakistan-China five-point consensus has been widely appreciated not only in the region but also beyond, as it focuses on ending hostility and promoting peace.
PM's diplomatic engagements
The spokesperson highlighted a series of high-level diplomatic contacts by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
On March 27, the PM received a call from the Crown Prince of Kuwait, during which he strongly condemned the attacks on Kuwait and shared Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and security.
On March 28, he held a telephonic conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who expressed gratitude and emphasized the need to build trust for mediation efforts.
Later, on March 31, Shehbaz Sharif also spoke with European Council President Antonio Costa, continuing Pakistan’s outreach to global partners.
Dar’s regional diplomacy
The deputy prime minister also remained actively engaged on the diplomatic front. He held a telephonic conversation with the Chinese foreign minister, followed by an official visit to China.
Additionally, he spoke with the foreign ministers of Turkey and Egypt, as well as the UN secretary-general, reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to dialogue and diplomacy.
The Foreign Office said that eight Islamic countries jointly condemned restrictions on Muslims’ access to Al-Aqsa Mosque and limitations on Palm Sunday prayers.
Pakistan also condemned Israeli restrictions on Muslims and Christians visiting holy sites in Jerusalem, reaffirming that the Jordanian Department of Endowments remains the sole administrative authority of Al-Aqsa Mosque and Haram Al-Sharif.
Engagement with Afghanistan continues
The spokesperson confirmed that a Pakistani delegation held talks with Afghan officials in Ürümqi, describing it as a continuation of Pakistan’s consistent policy.
Pakistan reiterated its demand to prevent the use of Afghan soil for activities against its security. Talks are also ongoing at the working level in Urumqi, reflecting continued diplomatic engagement.
The spokesperson stressed the need for practical steps from Afghanistan, noting that similar assurances were made in the Doha Agreement by the Taliban but were not implemented.
Pakistan has now called for written guarantees to ensure Afghan soil is not used for terrorism. At the same time, the spokesperson appreciated China’s role and efforts regarding Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s global coordination on Iran
The spokesperson said Pakistan remains in contact with the United States, European partners, and Gulf countries, adding that some of these countries also maintain diplomatic ties with Israel.
He clarified that speculation about forming a military alliance involving Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey is premature.
The Foreign Office also rejected claims of Pakistan being used to pressure Iran, emphasizing that Iran is a sovereign country with its own independent policies.
The spokesperson revealed that Iran had allowed two Pakistani ships to pass daily through the Strait of Hormuz. However, at present, there is no fixed schedule for the movement of Pakistani vessels.
Operation Ghazab Lil Haq continues
On the security front, the Foreign Office confirmed that Operation Ghazab Lil Haq is ongoing, with no changes in its status.
