Islamabad: Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and diplomacy to promote peace and stability in the Gulf and the wider Middle East.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said Islamabad remains in contact with all relevant parties amid continuing regional tensions.
He made the remarks during a weekly press briefing on Wednesday.
Pakistan Working to Revive Dialogue
Andrabi said Pakistan is making active efforts to bring the relevant parties back to the negotiating table.
He said the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding has helped create a path toward peace and stability.
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Although the agreement has not been fully implemented, he said, negotiations could resume when dialogue becomes more reasonable than further escalation.
Pakistan will continue using both direct and indirect channels, the spokesperson added.
The aim is to reduce the influence of forces seeking to undermine peace. Islamabad also wants to facilitate constructive talks on outstanding issues.
Bahrain Foreign Minister Plans Pakistan Visit
The spokesperson said Bahrain’s foreign minister expressed a desire to visit Pakistan.
The development followed a telephone conversation with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on August 11.
Dar welcomed the proposed visit and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy.
Makkah Summit and Defence Agreement
The Makkah summit held on August 7 was also discussed during the briefing.
The summit brought together the leadership of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
Andrabi described the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as a natural step in the longstanding relations between the three countries.
He said the agreement reflects their shared commitment to regional peace, security and stability.
According to the spokesperson, the agreement is entirely defensive in nature.
It is intended to strengthen collective security and help the three countries respond jointly to security threats and challenges.
Pakistan Rejects Concerns Over Internal Procedures
The spokesperson rejected suggestions that Pakistan signed the agreement without following domestic procedures.
He pointed out that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is the leader of the National Assembly and also a signatory to the agreement.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who is a member of the Senate, was also present during the process.
Andrabi said the agreement was signed in accordance with established rules and procedures.
He added that the prime minister, deputy prime minister and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir were fully aligned on the matter.
Pakistan Intensifies Regional Diplomacy
Pakistan has also increased diplomatic engagement with regional and international partners.
On August 10, Ishaq Dar held separate telephone conversations with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Iran and Kuwait.
The discussions covered bilateral relations, regional developments and the Makkah defence agreement.
They also focused on efforts to promote peace and stability.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is visiting Tehran for meetings with senior Iranian officials.
The talks are expected to cover bilateral relations, security issues and the regional situation.
Pakistan Condemns Red Sea Ship Attack
The Foreign Office also condemned an attack on a commercial vessel in the Red Sea.
According to information currently available to the Pakistani government, three Pakistani nationals were killed and another was injured.
Andrabi said Pakistan remains in contact with Saudi authorities and Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
The government is seeking further details about the incident.
Efforts are also underway to repatriate the bodies of the Pakistani victims. At the same time, authorities are working to ensure medical treatment for the injured Pakistani citizen.
Islamabad Supports Freedom of Navigation
Pakistan reaffirmed its support for freedom of navigation in international waters.
It also stressed the importance of maritime security under international law.
Andrabi said Pakistan is a signatory to the maritime coalition announced by Saudi Arabia.
Islamabad is ready to support Saudi Arabia and other coalition partners in protecting global supply chains and maritime traffic.
The spokesperson strongly condemned attacks on commercial vessels.
He said such incidents endanger innocent lives and violate international law.
They also pose serious risks to freedom of navigation, maritime security and commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
Pakistan Rejects Indian Claims on Azad Kashmir
The Foreign Office also rejected recent Indian statements and allegations concerning Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Andrabi accused India of attempting to politicize the recent situation in Azad Kashmir.
He said New Delhi should instead focus on its record in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Pakistan Completes Three IMF Reviews
On the economic front, the spokesperson said Pakistan has successfully completed three reviews under its ongoing International Monetary Fund program.
The program aims to support economic reforms and strengthen fiscal discipline.
Pakistan, he said, remains committed to implementing reforms and improving economic governance.
The Foreign Office briefing covered Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, regional security concerns and economic developments.
Islamabad’s latest statements underline its continued preference for dialogue. At the same time, Pakistan has stressed the need to protect maritime security and international trade routes amid growing regional tensions.
