ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to encouraging the United States and Iran to resume negotiations under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), despite challenges in implementing the agreement.
Speaking at the Foreign Office’s weekly media briefing on Thursday, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said Islamabad remains actively engaged in efforts aimed at reducing tensions and reviving dialogue between the two countries.
He said Pakistan would continue encouraging all parties to end hostilities and restart technical-level discussions in line with the Islamabad MoU, which Pakistan helped facilitate last month.
“While the implementation of the MoU is facing challenges, Pakistan will continue to encourage all sides to end violence and resume technical-level talks in accordance with the MoU,” Andrabi said.
Diplomacy Remains the Best Solution
Expressing concern over renewed tensions between Washington and Tehran, Andrabi said Pakistan is closely monitoring developments in the region.
He emphasised that negotiations remain the most effective way to resolve disputes, adding that conflicts benefit no one and that all sides should remain committed to peaceful engagement.
Rejecting suggestions that Pakistan had stepped back from its mediation efforts, the spokesperson said Islamabad continues to support diplomatic initiatives aimed at restoring stability.
Concern Over Strait of Hormuz
The Foreign Office also expressed hope that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz would return to normal as soon as possible.
Andrabi stressed the importance of ensuring the continued security, safety and freedom of maritime navigation through the strategic waterway, which is one of the world’s busiest routes for global oil and gas shipments.
The Strait of Hormuz carries a significant share of the world’s energy exports, and any disruption to shipping through the route has the potential to affect global oil prices and international trade.
Impact on Global Economy
The spokesperson warned that continued tensions between the United States and Iran could have far-reaching economic consequences beyond the region.
He said Pakistan recognises the urgent need to address the impact of the conflict on global energy supplies, international trade, food security and the broader world economy.
Recent fighting has contributed to higher international oil prices, raising concerns about inflation and increased energy costs in many countries.
Islamabad MoU Faces Challenges
The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on June 17 following mediation efforts in which Pakistan played a facilitating role.
However, renewed military exchanges between the United States and Iran have complicated efforts to implement the agreement fully.
Despite these setbacks, Pakistan maintains that dialogue remains the only viable path towards de-escalation and lasting peace.
US Launches Third Consecutive Day of Strikes on Iran as IRGC Targets American Military Sites in Gulf
Pakistan Continues Humanitarian Support for Afghanistan
During the briefing, Andrabi also highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan.
He said Pakistan continues to facilitate the delivery of aid by the United Nations and international partner organisations.
According to the spokesperson, approximately 45 trucks carrying humanitarian assistance have already been dispatched to Afghanistan through Pakistan.
He reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to providing a humanitarian corridor for relief supplies while continuing to support international humanitarian efforts.
Progress with Afghanistan Linked to Security Concerns
At the same time, Andrabi said relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have not yet shown significant improvement.
He maintained that meaningful progress in bilateral ties depends on the Afghan authorities addressing Pakistan’s security concerns.
According to the spokesperson, Pakistan expects assurances that Afghan territory will not be used by militant groups to launch attacks against Pakistan.
He said normalisation of bilateral relations would remain difficult until concerns regarding terrorism are effectively addressed.
Pakistan Condemns Terrorism in Balochistan
Commenting on recent attacks in Balochistan, Andrabi strongly condemned the killing of civilians and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to combating terrorism.
He alleged that India has supported terrorist activities in Balochistan, claiming that statements and reactions from Indian officials and sections of the Indian media reflected such support.
The spokesperson further criticised what he described as celebratory reactions in parts of the Indian media following attacks inside Pakistan, calling them evidence of double standards.
He concluded by reaffirming that Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and emphasised that attacks targeting civilians can never be justified under any circumstances.
