ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to encouraging the United States and Iran to end hostilities and resume negotiations under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said on Thursday.
Addressing the weekly media briefing in Islamabad, Andrabi said that although implementation of the agreement has encountered obstacles, Pakistan remains engaged in diplomatic efforts aimed at reviving technical-level discussions.
“Despite the challenges facing the MoU, Pakistan will continue to encourage all parties to halt violence and return to talks in line with the understanding reached in Islamabad,” he said.
The spokesperson expressed concern over the renewed military confrontation between Washington and Tehran, stressing that Islamabad is closely following developments and believes dialogue remains the most effective path to resolving disputes.
Dismissing suggestions that Pakistan has stepped back from its mediation role, Andrabi said the country remains committed to supporting peaceful engagement between the two sides.
He also voiced hope for the early restoration of stability in the Strait of Hormuz, emphasising the importance of safeguarding maritime security and ensuring uninterrupted navigation through the strategic waterway.
The Islamabad MoU, signed by the US and Iran on June 17 with Pakistan playing a key mediating role, has come under strain following recent US military strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks on American interests in the Gulf. The escalation has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, triggering sharp increases in global oil prices and raising concerns over inflation and supply chains worldwide.
Andrabi noted that Pakistan recognises the serious implications of the conflict for global energy markets, trade and food security, adding that continued hostilities serve no one’s interests.
He expressed hope that all parties would remain committed to resolving their differences through peaceful means.
Humanitarian support for Afghanistan
Speaking on Afghanistan, the Foreign Office spokesperson said Pakistan continues to facilitate international humanitarian assistance and remains committed to supporting relief efforts coordinated by the United Nations and partner organisations.
He said approximately 45 aid trucks carrying humanitarian supplies have already crossed into Afghanistan through Pakistan, reaffirming Islamabad’s support for maintaining a humanitarian corridor.
However, Andrabi said bilateral ties with Afghanistan have yet to improve significantly, stressing that meaningful progress depends on Kabul taking effective action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory.
He said Pakistan expects firm assurances from the Afghan authorities that their soil will not be used for attacks against Pakistan, adding that concerns over terrorism remain a major obstacle to better relations.
Pakistan condemns terrorism in Balochistan
Commenting on recent militant attacks in Balochistan, Andrabi strongly condemned the killing of civilians and reiterated Pakistan’s stance against terrorism in all forms.
He alleged that India has supported terrorist activities in Balochistan, claiming statements and actions from New Delhi reflect a pattern of backing such elements.
The spokesperson also criticised sections of the Indian media for their reaction to attacks on Pakistani civilians, saying the coverage highlighted what he described as India’s double standards on terrorism.
He concluded by reaffirming that Pakistan unequivocally condemns attacks on civilians and maintains that such acts cannot be justified under any circumstances.
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