Pakistan’s Foreign Office has confirmed that while the country remains in contact with friendly nations amid rising tensions with India, no international power has yet offered to mediate between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, India and Pakistan.
Addressing a weekly press briefing, FO spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan stated, “We are in contact with all friendly countries and are consistently communicating our stance to them. However, we have not received any offer for mediation so far.”
Reiterating Pakistan’s position on the Indus Waters Treaty, the spokesperson said, “Our stance on the Indus Waters Treaty is crystal clear. It is a matter concerning the lives of 250 million Pakistanis. Any unilateral suspension of the treaty will be considered an act of aggression.”
He added that Pakistan is a responsible state and will safeguard its national interests and territorial integrity at all costs.
Commenting on India's controversial Waqf Bill and treatment of minorities, the spokesperson said, “The situation in India is extremely tense. The treatment of minorities, especially Muslims and other marginalized groups, is deeply concerning.” She emphasized that Pakistan continues to draw the attention of the international community toward India’s internal human rights situation.
Sikh yatrees exempted
On the issue of Sikh pilgrims, the FO spokesperson clarified that despite the escalating tensions, visas for Sikh yatrees have not been canceled, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to religious harmony and cultural respect.
He declined to comment on the reported arrest of a Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, saying, “I have no information regarding that matter at this time.”
‘Any unilateral move to block water under Indus Waters Treaty would be considered an act of war’
Pakistan has issued a stern warning to India, stating that any unilateral move to block water under the Indus Waters Treaty would be considered an act of war.
Foreign office spokesperson said on Thursday that such actions by India could gravely endanger regional peace and stability.
Speaking during the weekly media briefing, the spokesperson said: “India’s unilateral behavior poses a serious threat to regional peace and stability. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is an irresponsible and provocative step.”
He emphasized that the treaty, brokered under the supervision of the World Bank, holds international standing, and its violation would be a clear breach of global norms. “If India blocks water, Pakistan will respond forcefully. This will be viewed as an act of war,” she added.
The spokesperson underlined that Pakistan’s armed forces are fully prepared to safeguard the country’s sovereignty. “We desire peace in the region, but there will be no compromise on Pakistan’s national security.”
Referencing decisions made by Pakistan’s National Security Committee, he announced a series of retaliatory measures including all cross-border movement at the Wagah border has been suspended and Pakistani airspace has been closed to Indian flights while all visas issued to Indian citizens under the SAARC agreement have been suspended, with the exception of Sikh pilgrims.
Additionally, Pakistan has suspended all trade with India, and halted Indian third-country trade via Pakistani land and air routes.
The spokesperson also mentioned recent diplomatic engagements, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Türkiye and high-level discussions with UAE, Rwanda, and Afghanistan to strengthen bilateral relations and investment opportunities.
India’s cross-border terrorism
The spokesperson said that during recent Pak-Afghan talks, the issue of Afghan refugees’ return was discussed in detail. Afghan officials highlighted several challenges, and in response, Pakistan has established a hotline to help facilitate and reduce the difficulties faced by refugees.
In his weekly media briefing on Thursday, the spokesperson emphasized that Pakistan has consistently sought constructive and cooperative relations with Afghanistan, and the matter of voluntary and dignified repatriation of Afghan nationals remains a key focus.
Commenting on India's activities, the spokesperson stated that "India’s transnational terrorism has now become more evident," adding that Pakistan continues to expose Indian involvement at global forums.
“Our stance is not apologetic — we are asserting our national interests firmly,” she said, while assuring that the Foreign Office and Pakistani missions abroad remain fully active in addressing the ongoing tensions with India.
Indian cricketers in PSL
Responding to a question about the potential participation of Indian cricketers in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), she said the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
