Speaking at the weekly Foreign Office briefing, spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said the continuation of dialogue between Washington and Tehran was an encouraging development. He noted that both sides remained engaged at the negotiating table following the first round of talks held at the Swiss resort of Burgenstock.
Pakistan and Qatar, acting as mediators, had earlier announced that the United States and Iran agreed to a 60-day roadmap aimed at reaching a comprehensive agreement. The talks also produced a mechanism to end hostilities in Lebanon and established a communication channel to help protect commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Responding to questions about the waterway, Andrabi said Pakistan supports the initiatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council and believes regional issues should be addressed through regional ownership while respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.
Discussing Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Pakistan, the spokesperson said both countries held detailed talks on trade, investment, economic cooperation and regional stability. He noted that progress on economic projects and trade expansion with Iran would move forward alongside any lifting of US sanctions on Tehran.
Andrabi said one of the key outcomes of the visit was the reaffirmation of both countries’ commitment to peace, stability and stronger bilateral relations. He added that the Iranian leadership had expressed confidence in Pakistan, a gesture Islamabad appreciated.
On reports of a proposed $300 billion financing package for Iran, the spokesperson said the matter was expected to be discussed during ongoing technical negotiations in Switzerland.
Regarding representation at the funeral of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Shaheed Ali Khamenei, Andrabi said no final decision had yet been made on who would attend on Pakistan’s behalf.
Addressing relations with Afghanistan, the spokesperson said Pakistan had fulfilled most of its commitments regarding bilateral engagement and that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar had personally overseen the process. However, he said certain developments later complicated diplomatic efforts.
He reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding position that Afghan territory should not be used for terrorist activities against Pakistan, stressing that meaningful diplomatic progress required clear assurances from Kabul on the issue.
Andrabi described the Afghan people as brothers of the Pakistani nation and highlighted the deep ties between the two countries. He also acknowledged China’s constructive role in facilitating understanding between Pakistan and Afghanistan and said Islamabad would continue working closely with Beijing to promote regional peace and cooperation.
He added that Pakistan’s engagement on Afghanistan would continue, while urging the Afghan side to uphold its commitments under international law.
