By Our Correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan remains committed to diplomatic efforts aimed at easing renewed tensions between the United States and Iran, stressing that dialogue and negotiations remain the most viable path toward lasting regional peace, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Wednesday.
Addressing the evolving regional situation, Andrabi said Islamabad had not given up hope of a peaceful settlement despite the latest escalation between Washington and Tehran.
Pakistan has remained actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions. Islamabad previously helped facilitate a ceasefire between the United States and Iran in April and later played a role in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding in June.
Although the April ceasefire brought the most intense phase of hostilities to a halt, intermittent attacks, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, have continued to complicate efforts toward a comprehensive peace agreement.
Highlighting Pakistan’s high-level diplomatic engagement, Andrabi said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, where the two leaders discussed the regional security situation.
The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s position that disputes should be addressed through restraint, dialogue and diplomacy. He also described the Islamabad MoU as a practical framework for achieving durable peace and stability in the region.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The two sides have remained in contact over developments in the Middle East and Gulf region.
Andrabi also referred to Field Marshal Asim Munir’s recent visit to Tehran as part of Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach. Discussions focused on reducing regional tensions, facilitating the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and pursuing a negotiated settlement.
Pakistan Welcomes Indus Waters Treaty Ruling
Turning to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), the Foreign Office spokesperson said India could not selectively accept or reject international decisions, maintaining that a recent international arbitration ruling strongly supported Pakistan’s position.
Pakistan welcomed the ruling and argued that rejecting an international decision would undermine international law and the sanctity of agreements.
“The decision on the Indus Waters Treaty is very clear,” Andrabi said, adding that international rulings could not be accepted or rejected merely on the basis of convenience.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye Advance Trilateral Cooperation
The spokesperson also briefed the media on the trilateral cooperation mechanism established under the Makkah Agreement.
A meeting of the committee formed under the agreement was held in Istanbul on August 31, where Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye agreed to strengthen coordination and work jointly on matters of mutual interest.
Pakistan reiterated that it would continue diplomatic engagement with regional and international partners to promote de-escalation, dialogue and stability amid continuing geopolitical tensions.
