Pakistan optimistic about ongoing US-Iran peace talks: FO

Pakistan on Thursday reiterated its commitment to diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions between the United States and Iran, stating that it was actively coordinating with global partners to support regional peace and stability. During the weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan strongly believed that dialogue and diplomacy were essential for ensuring peace, stability and prosperity in the region. He noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had recently held telephone discussions with the leaders of Qatar and Azerbaijan as part of Islamabad’s diplomatic outreach. According to Andrabi, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has also remained in contact with his counterparts from several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, China, Austria and Singapore. He said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had expressed full backing for Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives. During a phone conversation with Ishaq Dar, Wang stressed the need for a durable ceasefire and continued negotiations, he added. “The US-Iran peace process is ongoing. We remain engaged and optimistic,” he said. Responding to reports regarding an Iranian aircraft in Pakistan, he dismissed the claims as misleading and exaggerated. He clarified that the aircraft had arrived in Islamabad during the ceasefire period for administrative matters related to diplomatic staff. Andrabi said defence cooperation with friendly countries was based on institutional mechanisms and long-term policy objectives, adding that such ties would not be influenced by isolated visits or regional developments. Commenting on reports concerning deportations from the United Arab Emirates, he said the figures being circulated were overstated and should be viewed in the context of the large Pakistani community residing in the UAE. Quoting the interior ministry, Andrabi said the reports had been reviewed and were considered “mala fide” after examining the available information and data