Assalam-o-Alaikum,

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

I begin by sharing with you that the Prime Minister of Pakistan H.E Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif just left for one-day visit to Saudi Arabia. He is accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar. The Prime Minister will meet His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. 

The Prime Minister’s visit to Saudi Arabia is part of the coordination between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on matters of regional peace and security and ending violence and hostilities. 

The Prime Minister visit should also be seen in the broader context of Pakistan's efforts to advocate and facilitate an early cessation of hostilities and violence in region, with the aim of paving the way for dialogue and diplomacy.

In the same vein, the Prime Minister yesterday, held telephone conversation with the President of Iran, H.E. Masood Pezeshkian. They exchanged Ramadhan Greetings. The Prime Minister offered condolences on the martyrdom of His Eminence Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. In follow-up of his letter to His Eminence Mojtaba Khamenei on 10th March, the Prime Minister congratulated the President of Iran on His Eminence Mojtaba Khamenei’s assumption of this onerous responsibility. The Prime Minister expressed his hope that Iran would enjoy peace, stability, dignity, and prosperity in the years ahead. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Let me now turn to Pakistan’s response to the outbreak of hostilities, violence, and armed attacks in the Middle East, which are now in their third week.

As you know, Pakistan had condemned the unwarranted attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran. These attacks come at a time when diplomatic efforts were underway to reach a peaceful and negotiated solution. Such a course of action will undermine the peace and stability of the entire region, with far reaching consequences. 

Pakistan also strongly condemned the attacks by Iran against the brotherly countries of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE, and stands in solidarity with all these brotherly countries and underscores the need to exercise maximum restraint. The unprovoked attacks constitute blatant violations of the sovereignty of the brotherly Gulf States. 

Pakistan expresses serious concern over the recent attacks targeting the brotherly countries, Türkiye and Azerbaijan. These attacks are in clear violation of international law and the principles of inter-state relations and could push the region toward further escalation.

Throughout the current wave of conflict, Pakistan has been urging three points:

i. Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and a commitment to refrain from the use of force within each other’s sovereign territory. 

ii. Upholding international law and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter. 

iii. Resuming diplomatic engagement to pursue a peaceful, negotiated resolution to the crisis. 

The conflict has seen death of two Pakistani nationals in the UAE. We offer our heartfelt condolences over these losses. Our Missions in the UAE worked with the bereaved families in repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased citizens back to Pakistan. 

With respect to regular community service, on we undertook special efforts towards evacuation of Pakistani nationals, particularly from Iran and support our citizens stranded at various locations in the region. 

Centrally, a Crisis Management Unit (CMU) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is operating round the clock Special Facilitation Desks have been established at Pakistan's Missions abroad to assist stranded Pakistani nationals with visa facilitation, logistics, and travel arrangements. 

Missions have also launched dedicated applications, registration portals, and helplines to enable timely outreach and assistance. Pakistan's Missions are in close coordination with host governments to ensure the necessary consular facilitation for the Pakistani Diaspora.

The Prime Minister has issued clear directives regarding these community assistance measures. We are implementing them with the full support and guidance of the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. 

Since the onset of the current wave of hostilities on 28 February, our top leadership has remained actively engaged with their counterparts across the region. We have been regularly updating you on these high-level exchanges.

Let me very briefly give you a round-up of these exchanges. 28 February, 2026 - Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. 

The Prime Minister strongly condemned the serious regional escalation that had taken place as a result of the Israeli attack on Iran today, followed by the regrettable attacks on other Gulf countries.

While assuring the Saudi leadership of Pakistan’s full solidarity and support in the current situation, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan would always stand with its Saudi brothers and sisters, at all times to come, and under all circumstances. 

Same day, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s full solidarity and support with the brotherly State of Qatar amid the current crisis and assured the Amir that Pakistan would always stand shoulder to shoulder with the brotherly people of Qatar and play a positive role for ensuring peace and stability in the region. 

On 1st March 

The Prime Minister held a telephone conversation with His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to discuss the evolving regional situation. The two leaders exchanged views on the serious regional developments following the recent escalation from the Israeli attack on Iran, that was followed by attacks on Jordan and other regional countries. Pakistan’s solidarity with the Kingdom of Jordan as well as other brotherly countries of the region was reaffirmed. 

Same day, The Prime Minister held a telephonic conversation with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain. He assured the leadership of Bahrain that Pakistan stood firmly with Bahrain and other brotherly Gulf countries and underscored the need for maximum restraint in this difficult time. 

On 2 March, The Prime Minister held telephonic conversation with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, Sultan of Oman. The Prime Minister conveyed his deep appreciation for Oman’s mediatory role and constructive efforts in facilitating dialogue and building trust among regional and international stakeholders. He acknowledged that Oman’s balanced and forward-looking diplomacy was a stabilizing force in the region. 

Same day, the Prime Minister received a telephone call from H.E. Mr. Ahmed al-Sharaa, President of the Syrian Arab Republic. The two sides emphasized the urgent need for restraint, de-escalation, and dialogue to preserve regional peace and stability. 

Same day, the Prime Minister spoke with His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince of Kuwait He affirmed Pakistan’s solidarity and support for the leadership and people of Kuwait at this critical time. 

On March 3, 2026, the Prime Minister held a telephone conversation with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of the Republic of Türkiye. In addition to the crisis in the Gulf, the two leaders also discussed Afghanistan. 

On 4 March, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with H.E. Nawaf Salam, Prime Minister of Lebanon. He condemned, in the strongest terms, Israel’s aggression against Lebanon. He conveyed deep condolences over the loss of precious lives due to Israeli attacks and reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Lebanese people. 

The same day, Prime Minister spoke on telephone with Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia. Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination on all issues of mutual interest.

On 6 March 2026. The Prime Minister held a telephone conversation with H.E. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. During their conversation, the Prime Minister condemned, in the strongest terms, the drone attacks on Nakhchivan exclave of Azerbaijan that targeted innocent civilians. Pakistan’s complete solidarity with the brotherly people of Azerbaijan was reaffirmed. 

Our Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar has also remained engaged with his counterparts 

In the last 12 days, he has spoken three times with the Foreign Minister of Iran, Seyed Abbas Araghchi. This was on 28the of last month and the on 6th and 7th of March. The two leaders remain in close contact, exchanging important messages on ways to end the crisis and chart a peaceful path forward. 

At the onset of hostilities on 28 February, in a single day, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister spoke with the Foreign Ministers of Uzbekistan & Saudi Arabia, the Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister of the UAE and Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi. They exchanged views on the evolving regional situation and agreed to stay in close contact. 

The next day, March 1, Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with the Foreign Minister of Oman 

On March 2nd, with the Foreign Minister of Bahrain and On March 3RD, with Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister

March 4 Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar visited the Embassy of Iran in Islamabad to sign the condolence book on the martyrdom of His Eminence Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the Iranian nation, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the brotherly people of Iran in this moment of immense national grief. You may recall that Pakistan had extended the sincerest condolences sent a message to people of Iran in their hour of grief and sorrow. 

The same day, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister spoke with Foreign Ministers of Egypt and Türkiye.

On March 5, Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator held telephone conversations with the Foreign Ministers of Canada and Azerbaijan. 

On March 7, the DPM/FM spoke with Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey. 

He later spoke with Foreign Minister of Malaysia, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE (second call in one week), Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister of Jordan 

On March 10 Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator spoke with Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Mr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Bahrain and its people, highlighting the need for de-escalation, dialogue, and efforts for peace and stability in the region. 

Same day, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister held a telephonic conversation with the Foreign Minister of China, Mr. Wang Yi. They exchanged views on the evolving regional situation and broader global developments. Situation in Afghanistan also came under discussion.

Same day, the DPM/FM spoke with the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mr. Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Foreign Minister of of Kuwait Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. They expressed deep concern over regional developments, including attacks on Kuwait. DPM/FM conveyed Pakistan’s solidarity with the leadership and people of Kuwait and emphasized the urgent need for dialogue and de-escalation to promote peace and stability in the region. 

Later, our DPM/FM also spoke with Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh. They expressed concern over the evolving regional situation in the Middle East and the wider region and its implications for regional peace and stability, as well as its wider consequences. 

Today, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi today to exchange views on the serious and evolving situation in the Middle East and the wider region. 

Finally, we have issued a statement expressing our concern at the long-term uranium supply agreement concluded between Canada and India and potential cooperation on small modular reactors and advanced reactor technologies between the two sides. 

This arrangement represents yet another country-specific exception in the field of civil nuclear cooperation. It is particularly ironic given that India’s 1974 nuclear test, conducted using plutonium produced in a reactor supplied by Canada for peaceful purposes, had led directly to the establishment of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). A state whose actions necessitated the establishment of global export controls is now being granted preferential access under selective arrangements. 

India has neither placed all its civilian nuclear facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards nor undertaken any binding commitment to do so under this arrangement. Several facilities remain outside international inspection. It is also unclear what concrete non-proliferation assurances, if any, accompany this agreement. 

The strategic consequences are equally troubling. Assured external uranium supplies effectively release India's domestic reserves for military use, enabling the expansion of its fissile material stockpiles, accelerating the growth of its nuclear arsenal, and deepening existing asymmetries in South Asia's strategic balance. In this context, the arrangement also undermines Canada’s commitment to the international non-proliferation regime and its corresponding obligations under that framework. 

Pakistan reiterates that civil nuclear cooperation must be governed by a non-discriminatory, criteria-based approach applicable equally to states that are not parties to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Selective exceptions diminish the credibility of the global non-proliferation framework and risk further destabilizing regional and global peace & security. 

Thank you

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(Sumera Khan, Samaa TV): Sir, I have two short questions. One is regarding Pakistan's role in if we are playing any mediatory role between Iran, Israel or America? Obviously, this time it's Israel and America both against Iran. So, are we playing any mediatory role for this conflict? And the second part is, what is the state of our situation, our engagements in Afghanistan? Have you received any formal or informal request from the Afghan side to cool the things down or anything you should go about it diplomatically. So, I need your response in that.

Spokesperson: On the mediatory role, I have highlighted you the three substantive thrust lines: respect sovereignty; uphold UN Charter and non-use of force; and move towards dialogue and diplomacy. So, we would continue to urge all relevant parties to stick on these points. We have also undertaken a high-level exchange between relevant states. I have also mentioned our numerous telephone conversations and highest-level exchanges between our countries and relevant countries in the region. 

As regards the situation in Afghanistan, the situation remains the same. We have emphatically communicated to the Afghanistan and to our interlocutors – we need verifiable assurances from the Afghan side that their territory would not be used for terrorism against Pakistan. And since those assurances have not been received, so we will continue with our existing policy with respect to that country.

(Muhammad Anas Ahsan Malik, Asia One News): Sir, two questions. Firstly, since you mentioned a range of engagements that the Deputy Prime Minister did with his counterparts, there was no mention of his engagement with the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has there been any engagement with the US side, particularly on this conflict? number one and number two, since you just also spoke out Afghanistan, we heard from the Taliban regime's defense minister. Quote, If Kabul is attacked, Islamabad will be attacked, unquote. What is Pakistan's comment on the matter?

Spokesperson: First of all, on the statement coming from Afghanistan that Islamabad will be attacked – look, Islamabad was attacked. Islamabad was attacked on the 6th of February, a Mosque / Imam Barga was attacked from mastermind and executives in Afghanistan. So, we are under attack from Afghanistan. We have not received any confirmation or written assurance from Afghan side that these attacks will cease. There is very clear evidence, UN backed evidence of possible collusion between the regime in Afghanistan with the TTP and BLA/Fitna al Hind. So, we believe that the attacks from Afghanistan are continuing. In exercise of our right to self-defense, we do reserve the right to respond to these attacks. 

As regards our engagements with the US, yes, these engagements continue. There are various levels of engagements. You may recall that the Foreign Secretary had a telephone conversation with the US Under-Secretary of State. Various other levels of diplomatic engagements continue with the US, and we will keep you updated on these developments as and when they happen.

(Mateen Haider, GTV News): Mr. Spokesman, as you are giving us briefing, a statement from Prime Minister House says that Prime Minister has left for Saudi Arabian visit to meet the Saudi Crown Prince. So, question to you, since it is mentioned that he will be directly meeting the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, what actually is Pakistan's policy? So, on this Iranian war, and subsequently, Iranian attacks on Middle Eastern countries and specific question, any specific cooperation Saudi Arabia is seeking in the domain of defense from Pakistan or any practical sport, because both countries have a defense agreement.

Spokesperson: I referred to the Prime Minister’s visit to Saudi Arabia in my opening remarks. We have pronounced emphatically about our position on Iran and the developments that have taken place in the region. We condemned the attacks on Iran and we also condemn the attacks conducted from Iran against the brotherly Gulf countries. So, our position is anchored in international law, in norms of diplomacy, in non-use of force to settle dispute, and in the emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy. This is the crux of our position. This is being communicated to our international interlocutors. As regards the Prime Minister's ongoing visit, yes, he will meet with his Excellency, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. We will be issuing a press release or a press statement after the visits, and that will encompass all issues to be discussed by the two sides. So, I hope you will find your answer in those updates.

(Caroline Davis, BBC): Reuters have reported a source in India saying that Iran will allow Indian flag tankers to transport through the Strait of Hormuz. Are there any such ongoing discussions between Iran and Pakistan? And the other question I had you obviously mentioned a list of the conversations that the foreign minister and that the prime minister and deputy minister have had. I know that the foreign minister has talked about shuttling communications between Tehran and Riyadh to try to ease tensions there. Has that been Pakistan's role between Tehran and any other country? Have you been transmitting messages or trying to sort of communicate between Tehran and any other country? And can you give us any details about what those sorts of messages might have been?

Spokesperson: First of all, on Iran – allowing passage to oil tankers, oil ships carrying crude and oil: This is a matter between Iran and respective governments. So, we do not have a particular position on this issue, part