Assalam-o-Alaikum,

 

I welcome you all at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

 

Pakistan has been recognized for its constructive diplomatic engagement in supporting de-escalation, ceasefire efforts, and the broader pursuit of stability between the United States and Iran. Through sustained interaction with both Washington and Tehran, Islamabad has sought to encourage dialogue, facilitate the exchange of messages, and help create conditions and space for conducive to meaningful negotiations.

 

This approach underscores Pakistan’s consistent commitment to regional stability and international peace, reflecting our preference for principled, dialogue-oriented diplomacy in addressing complex geopolitical challenges and managing complex disputes. 

 

In this context, under the leadership of Prime Minister Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif, with the active involvement of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as well as Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan has maintained open channels of communication with the concerned parties as part of its facilitative role.

 

As part of these ongoing efforts, the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister are undertaking visits to key regional countries, while the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff arrived in Tehran yesterdays. Collectively, these initiatives reflect Pakistan’s longstanding position that sustainable peace is best advanced through dialogue and cooperation, an approach that has been acknowledged in diplomatic circles for its constructive and stabilizing contribution.

 

The Prime Minister’ visit to three countries has strong bilateral content that I will mention later. 

 

Before embarking on his ongoing visit, the Prime Minister undertook intense diplomatic exchanges with his counterparts across the globe. 

 

Federal Chancellor of Austria, H.E. Christian Stocker, held a most warm telephone conversation with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on April 09, 2026.  The Prime Minister appreciated the Austrian Chancellor’s strong message of endorsement and support for Pakistan’s peace efforts that have led to the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, as well as ensuring resumption of negotiations between the two sides. Both leaders stressed upon the importance of ensuring that the ceasefire be upheld, strengthening the prospects of successful negotiations.

 

The same day, the Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar on April 09, 2026. His Highness congratulated the Prime Minister on Pakistan’s successful diplomatic efforts that have led to the Iran-U.S. ceasefire and negotiations. The two leaders expressed the hope that, through concerted efforts, peace would return soon to the entire region.

 

The same day, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from His Excellency Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. The German Chancellor expressed strong endorsement for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts that resulted in the ceasefire and the start of negotiations. Both leaders also expressed serious concern over the ongoing hostilities in Lebanon, and hoped that peace returns to the entire region.

 

On the same day, 9 April, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from the Prime Minister of the Italy, Her Excellency Giorgia Meloni, on April 09, 2026. She appreciated Pakistan’s successful diplomatic efforts and felicitated our Prime Minister for hosting the peace talks. They also discussed Lebanon, and agreed on the need for coordinated international efforts to prevent further attacks against the country.

 

On 10 April, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, His Excellency Keir Starmer.

Prime Minister Starmer deeply appreciated Pakistan’s effective diplomatic efforts and felicitated Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on hosting the peace negotiations in Islamabad, offering his best wishes for the success of this endeavor.

 

On 13 April, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from H.E. Ms. Sanae Takaichi, Prime Minister of Japan. Appreciating Pakistan’s diplomatic role in facilitating the ceasefire and talks, she expressed Japan’s full support for the peace process and its importance for regional stability and global energy security.

 

The same day, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on April 13, 2026. He congratulated Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Pakistan’s peace efforts offered complete endorsement from Canada for Pakistan’s role towards de-escalation and regional peace and stability. 

 

Islamabad Peace Talks 

 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

 

The US and Irani delegation headed respectively by Vice President H.E. J.D. Vance and Honorable Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mr. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, were in Pakistan on 11-12 April for Peace Talks.

 

Before embarking on Peace Talks, the two delegations called on Prime Minister Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif separately. We issued brief readouts of those meetings.

 

The talks continued for 21 hours – that is the duration of actual negotiations. Overall, the process continued for about 30 hours if we count movement of delegations and momentary breaks for meals and coffee. As such, the entire negotiations process was intensive and extensive, both in terms of scope and timelines. 

 

The Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister along with the Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field helped mediate several rounds of intense and constructive negotiations.

 

In his remarks at the conclusion of these talks, the DPM expressed hope that the two sides continue with the positive spirit to achieve durable peace and prosperity for the entire region and beyond. It is imperative that the parties continue to uphold their commitment to ceasefire. 

 

The DPM reiterated that Pakistan has been and will continue to play its role to facilitate engagement and dialogue between the two countries in the days to come.

 

Prime Minister’s Visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Türkiye:

 

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is undertaking official visits to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar and the Republic of Türkiye from 15–18 April 2026.

 

The visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar are in the bilateral context. 

 

The visit to Turkiye is the context of Fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where the the Prime Minister will participate in the Leaders’ Panel, alongside other world leaders, to present Pakistan’s perspective at the Forum. 

 

Last evening, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, called on His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

 

The Prime Minister expressed full solidarity and support for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the wake of the recent regional escalation. He appreciated the exemplary patience and restraint shown by the Kingdom.

 

The Prime Minister shared with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince the recent developments related to Pakistan's peace efforts that led to the U.S.- Iran ceasefire and the recently held round of historic talks between the U.S. and Iran in Islamabad. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince appreciated the constructive role of Pakistan in the peace process.

 

The Prime Minister expressed his sincere appreciation for His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for the Kingdom's consistent support to Pakistan's economic stability. 

 

Both countries enjoyed a unique relationship as they were both strategic defense partners under the Pakistan- Saudi Arabia Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement. 

 

 

 

 

 

DPM’s Engagement

 

Calls of DPM/FM

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar remained actively engaged with his counterparts on evolving regional developments. Let me briefly list important telephobe conversations of past two weeks  conversations: 

 

April 2, 

 

Foreign Minister of Egypt

Foreign Minister of Türkiye, 

Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan

 

On April 3, 

 

Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia

 

On April 4,

 

Foreign Ministers of Bahrain & Egypt

 

On April 5,

 

Foreign Ministers of Iran and KSA. 

 

 

On April 6

 

Foreign Ministers of Japan, Portugal, the United Kingdom and Canada

 

On April 7

 

Foreign Ministers of Egypt, Bahrain and Norway. 

 

April 8

 

Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Türkiye, Qatar, the European Union – High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. 

 

• Morocco 

• Spain 

• Kuwait 

• Canada 

 

On 9 April 2026, 

 

• Saudi Foreign Minister 

• Uzbek Foreign Minister 

• EU High Representative 

• South African Foreign Minister 

• Azerbaijan Foreign Minister 

• UK Foreign Secretary 

• Turkish Foreign Minister 

 

10 April 2026 FMs of 

 

• France (FM Jean-Noël Barrot)

• Netherlands (FM Tom Berendse

 

12 April 2026

 

• Egypt (FM Badr Abdelatty)

• Saudi Arabia (FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan

• Türkiye (FM Hakan Fidan

 

13 April 2026

 

• China 

• United Kingdom 

 

14 April 2026

 

• Canada (FM Anita Anand):

• European Union (HRVP Kaja Kallas)

• Kuwait (FM Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Sabah

• Romania (FM Oana-Silvia Toiu

• United Nations (Secretary-General António Guterres

• Türkiye (FM Hakan Fidan

 

 

Moving on to others issues: 

 

ISRAEL 

 

This week we expressed ourselves on the issue of Palestine on 7 April, Strongly Condemning storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli Occupying Forces.

 

On 9 April, Pakistan strongly condemned Israeli Aggression Against Lebanon. We termed such actions undermine international efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region and constitute a grave violation of international law and fundamental humanitarian principles.

 

45th Meeting of the Council of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO-RATS).

 

Pakistan, currently holding the chairmanship of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO-RATS), successfully chaired the 45th Council Meeting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Director General Faria Bugti led the Pakistani delegation. 

 

On 3 April, The SCO-RATS Council conducted detailed deliberations on matters of mutual interest, focusing on regional security. Several reporting documents on SCO-RATS activities were finalized for submission to the Council of Heads of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

 

The Council expressed concern over developments in the Middle East. It also highlighted the persistent threat posed by terrorist groups in Afghanistan and stressed the need to strengthen cooperation and joint efforts to counter terrorism.

 

It was agreed that the next SCO-RATS Council meeting will be hosted by Pakistan in September 2026.

 

As a frontline state in the fight against terrorism, Pakistan continues to make significant sacrifices to ensure regional and global security and remains committed to working with international and regional partners to advance collective counter-terrorism efforts, in accordance with SCO principles, international law, and the United Nations Charter.

 

Senior Officials Meeting of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt, held in Islamabad (14th April, 2026).

 

The Senior Officials Meeting of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt was held in Islamabad on 14 April 2026 as a follow-up to the Foreign Ministers’ Consultative Meeting of 29 March 2026. 

 

From Pakistan, I had the privilege of leading our delegation to this meeting. 

We reviewed key areas of cooperation and prepared recommendations for the upcoming Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Antalya, Türkiye, scheduled for 17 April 2026. 

 

The officials also jointly called on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, underscoring continued high-level coordination among the four brotherly nations.

 

Thank you 

 

*

 

(Mateen Haider, WE News): So, as you also said, Pakistan is still engaged in active diplomacy and in touch with both Washington and Islamabad. Yesterday, we have seen Pakistan's high level delegation visiting Tehran, including Chief of the Defense Forces Asim Munir and Interior Minister. So if it is possible for you to share some details that what was the purpose of this visit? did this delegation conveyed some American messages to the Iranian leadership, and how much hopeful you are that the next round of talks, which is anticipated to be hosted by Islamabad, would finally result in some sort of final agreement or document, and that could be called the peace accord? And in last 24 hours, almost every global media reported that once they will be a final accord that will be touched and signed by the US president as well. So, and second thing which is related to India, a very notorious Indian officer, Colonel Purohit, has been promoted to the rank of Brigadier. He is the same officer who was involved in Samjhota Express terror attack and his involvement was exposed and established by another officer, Mr. Karkare, who was later on shot dead during Bombay incident. I read your comments.

 

Spokesperson: Let me first address question on promotion of this terrorist Indian Army officer. We have noted this news with grave concern that Colonel Purohit has been promoted to the rank of Brigadier. Pakistan unequivocally condemns this deeply troubling development. Such decision, risks sending a disquieting signal about accountability in Indian system, while compounding the anguish of 868, innocent civilians who lost their lives in the Lahore bound train on Indian soil almost two decades ago. These victims and their families await justice for last two decades. Far from advancing the closure, the decision underscores a pattern of diminishing the imperative of justice. This promotion also raises serious questions about India's state sponsored terrorism, tolerance towards acts of violence against Pakistan and against Muslims, and a partisan and an exclusionary mindset within India's governance and judicial framework. The victims and families of Samjhota Express attack deserve justice – a justice that is credible, transparent and beyond reproach. 

 

Pakistan reiterates its call for a thorough and impartial judicial process to bring all perpetrators and facilitators of this heinous crime into account and into justice. The international community must also take note that perception of impunity in India for such acts that we have been calling for. This has far reaching implications, potentially emboldening extremist elements within India and undermining efforts towards a durable peace and stability. 

 

(Namrah Sohail, PTV): Sir, we have seen some really disturbing reports related to an incident in which Tanvir Ahmad Chopan an 18-year-old youth from Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir was brutally attacked in an act linked to cow vigilantism. According to the latest reports, the victim's body has not been recovered and is feared to have been drowned. What do you have to say about this brutal incident?

 

Spokesperson: Yes, we have also seen this report that emerged yesterday. We strongly condemn this heinous incident, which is part of a broader, deeply troubling pattern of hate driven violence in India, where religious minorities are increasingly targeted by extremist elements operating with complete impunity. Such acts of so-called cow protection, cow vigilantes, cow protection, killing innocent people, lynching them in public. This very medieval ancient practice is going on in a country which masks itself as the world's largest democracy. This ‘licensed brutality’ is extremely disturbing. This is vehicle for intimidation and violence, raising serious concerns about the protection and fundamental rights and the rule of law. Now it has been imported into Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir from India. This incident adds yet another dimension to the already grave human rights situation in the occupied territory, where Kashmiris continue to be subjected to systemic marginalization and repression. 

 

We call upon the international community to take cognizance of this growing pattern of vigilante violence and its implication for human rights. We reaffirm our steadfast support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir for their fundamental rights, including the right to life and dignity. 

 

This “licensed brutality”, this lynching of Muslims must end.

 

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): Obviously, we have plenty of questions about this talk process, but my question is something that developed this morning, that there has been introduced a bill for delimitation of constituencies in Illegal Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. And very strangely or amazingly, there are references about Azad Jammu and Kashmir in that bill. So, my question is, what do you comment about this development, and whether this development is to detrack Pakistan from what spokesperson of White House, Caroline Levitt, expressed feeling of President Trump that Pakistan has proven a great mediator, So is it to detract Pakistan from doing a noble job of bringing peace and tranquility in the world?

 

Spokesperson: We have seen media reports on the tabling of delimitation bill 2024 at the Indian parliament. We categorically reject India's so called delimitation process in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including any provisions related to Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The whole process is illegal and political grandstanding. It is devoid of any legal value. It is undertaken in an internationally recognized disputed territory. So, such exercise is nothing but an attempt to alter the demographic and political structure of the region and to further disenfranchise the Kashmiri people. 

 

India has no legal authority to redefine constituencies, redefine any part of the territory of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, whose final disposition is to be determined in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

 

The extension of this framework of the so-called bill to apply to Azad Jammu and Kashmir reflects India's persistent illusion and a state of denial. It underscores a deliberate effort to project fictitious claim of sovereignty in complete disregard of international law and ground realities. 

 

Azad Jammu and Kashmir is a distinct governing territory within its own democratic institutions. India's repeated claim over it is baseless, legally untenable, and symptomatic of a distorted mindset that seeks to mask the reality of a long-standing dispute. Such assertions, of course, carry no legal consequence and only reinforces India's detachment from facts.

 

Overall, we call these delimitation measures as provocative, irresponsible and clear violations of international law.

 

No legislative or constitutional maneuver can alter the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir or prejudice the inalienable right of the Kashmiri people to self-determination. We will continue to support the Kashmiri struggle for self-determination and international community must take serious notes of India's attempts to violate international law in this regard.

 

(Khalid Mehmood Chaudhry, Express News): Sir, there are reports that in the next round of talks, China, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia would also be included. Need your comments on it.  

 

(Waseem Abbasi, Arab News): There was a report today that in Arab media that CDF is visiting Washington after Tehran. Can you confirm that, and also the dates for the next round of talks in Islamabad?

 

(Naveed Siddiqui, Business Recorder): Can we expect next critical round of talks in Islamabad before the expiry of the two-week ceasefire on 21st April? 

 

(Asghar Ali Mubarik, The Daily Mail International): Sir, as Pakistan has played an important diplomatic role. Russia and other countries have also offered to take part in the role of mediation through Pakistan. Your comment? 

 

Spokesperson: So, let me take all these questions. Pakistan’s role as mediator and facilitator did not stop when Islamabad talks i.e. this last round concluded. It continued, as was expressed by the Deputy Prime Minister in his media statement. The arrival of the Chief of Defense forces in Tehran yesterday, and visit of our Prime Ministerial delegation to three countries should be seen as part of this continuum. We would continue to advocate for peace prosperity and stability. We would also continue our facilitatory role by keeping open channels of communications between Tehran and Washington. The third important aspect of our approach is to take our partners, our allies, our friendly countries into confidence. Keep briefing them about our policies. This is our endeavor for an open covenant of peace openly arrived at. So, we in these high-level exchanges, we are maintaining these channels of communications.

 

As regards the role of the other countries, you may wish to refer to the statement of the Spokesperson of the White House.

 

Our effort is to keep convened countries and partners on board in terms of their support and advocacy. This is being done in the context of the numerous conversations that our leadership has held with their counterparts. So, while certainly welcome their support and advocacy, principal channels of communications are taking place through Islamabad. The same applies for Russia. Russia is an important global player, and we value the endorsement that has emanated from Moscow on our peace efforts. 

 

As regards the specifics of what was discussed in Tehran yesterday, for example, or what is being discussed amongst our leaders or what has been transpiring on these channels of communication, I would wish to reiterate my point that we would not comment on the specifics. The position of the relevant parties is their trust on us. We keep this trust and we maintain confidentiality. Our position impartial to individual positions but partial to peace and partial to progress, stability and prosperity. 

 

The next round of talks – well there are no dates yet. There were number of questions on when and where these talks would take place. I requested all our media colleagues that we should refrain from the speculations and wait for the official announcements. So, I do not have an official announcement to make in this regard. We would announce the timing of these talks as and when it is decided.

 

I must also here mention Pakistan's media’s very responsible role during Islamabad talks. I think Pakistani media maintained exemplary professionalism throughout the talks. They did not speculate. They did not shared any information based on guesswork. You were very patient as well. Obviously, these talks were held with due confidentiality. Our very thoroughly professional media supported our endeavors to maintain confidentiality and maintain the trust that the two parties and the larger international communities have reposed on Pakistan in terms of conduct of these talks.

 

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): There are some media reports that Pakistan is expecting potential breakthrough regarding Iran enriched uranium material, and there are discussions underway that this enriched uranium could either be transferable to the other to any third party. So, are we expecting Pakistan or any other country as a third party? Number one, number two, sir, while these talks were ongoing. The Saudi defense ministry announced and issue a statement. The statement says that Pakistan Air Force has arrived in KSA under the defense agreement. So, can you share any details about that specific move that Pakistan military have moved to KSA? 

 

Spokesperson: On the first part of your question: I will not comment on the specifics. This is an extremely important process we would not want to venture into pronouncing our position or pronouncing any detail about the content of any specific issue. As regards the deployment of Pakistani forces in Saudi Arabia, I will very respectfully refer you to the ISPR.

 

(Aijaz Ahmed, GNN News): One country seemed opposing the talks amid the peace efforts, also asked for their money back and we also started returning the money. Iran was also attacked during this and Indian Foreign Minister went there and started issuing his statements. He also issued a statement yesterday and raised questions. How do we see the attitude of that country which is UAE? 

 

Spokesperson: United Arab Emirates is our very old, trusted partner, our friend, our brotherly country. We have historic, cultural, religious and economic ties with that country. I will very strongly dispel any notion that there exists any gap or any difference between our countries. The amount return to UAE – well this issue was under discussions much before this conflict. If you recall, this matter was discussed since last year, and it then materialized into a concrete transaction plan subsequently. This issue predates Iran-US recent conflict. So, I would very respectfully urge you not to conflate the two points. As regards UAE’s role, this question primarily ought to be asked from the UAE representative. Pakistan has unequivocally condemned aggression and armed attacks against UAE, and our position remains steadfast and firm on this point.

 

(Syeda Qurat Ul Ain, Independent Urdu): I think you forgot to answer the part where someone asked if Saudi Arabia and China are going to be a part of these next talks, upcoming talks.

 

Spokesperson: Well, we have held close discussions with Iran and Saudi Arabia. If you see the list of the telephone call between our leadership and the leadership in Riyadh and Beijing, these conversations took place just before and after Islamabad Talks. These countries both KSA and China are very close, trusted partners in the peace talks. These countries are supportive of Pakistan's efforts. They are our close partners, and our numerous interactions with them at the highest level is a demonstration of this fact.

 

(Abbas Jaffar, Daily District News): In Pakistani territorial waters, Pakistan coast guards were attacked and 03 Pakistan coast guards were killed. I saw the video from an Indian account. At a time when the world is striving to make sea lanes safe, some elements are trying to promote offshore terrorism. It is also dangerous for Pakistan. What are your comments on this? Secondly, US has imposed blockade on Iran. Blockade is considered an act of war in international law. Are efforts being undertaken to remove this blockade as negotiations are still ongoing and to ensure smooth process of peace talks? 

 

Spokesperson: This aggression against the Coast Guards is extremely reprehensible. We are getting the details. Our maritime forces, our coast guards remain on the high alert against such incidents in the future. The matter is being thoroughly investigated. We strongly condemn such barbaric acts of terrorism. They were not in a combat operation, so this was certainly an attack on coast guards outside the realm of any operation or any combat that was taking place. It was done in peace time. So that makes it extremely reprehensible and condemnable.

 

You also mentioned about the US blockade: Strait of Hormuz is part of the conversation and of the peace process. If you ask me to comment on the US blockade that goes into the realms of specifics that I would not want to comment, I can assure you that the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and the free movement of commercial vessels through that space is part of conversation under the peace process.

 

(Hunain Ameen, HUM News): Is it a possibility that while the second round of talks, if it's happening, in fact, is mediated by Pakistan, and Pakistan remains at the center of this mediation, but not inside Pakistan, and the rumored or speculated, or in fact, reported visit of CDF to DC, which you have obviously not commented on, which you have said you have no information on, can be the extension of that second part, and that we could see mediation coming to a conclusion, and in fact, Islamabad accord but outside Pakistan?

 

Spokesperson: As I said, I do not have any information on the timing and venue of the second round.

 

(Aamir Saeed Abbasi, NUKTA News): Sir, in recent days, Iran has reportedly launched multiple attacks or missiles towards Saudi Arabia, but despite existing of agreements, Pakistan has not carried out any military or defense activity over in Saudi Arabia. What is the reason for this?

 

Spokesperson: Pakistan's all agreements with Saudi Arabia, and our defense agreement are operational. It is working. Attacks emanating from Iran against any GCC country, are an important part of our mediatory efforts, our dialogue. This is an issue which is, of course, on the table. So, this question is being addressed in that context.

 

(Azaz Syed, GEO News): One key player is Israel, and we are talking to United States of America. What kind of assurance America has given to Pakistan that whatever they agree on the table will also be ensured from Israel? What kind of communication we are having indirectly to Israel through America?

 

Spokesperson: You know, again, this is a matter of specifics. We are working for a comprehensive peace that would be applicable to all countries, all parties in the region. Our discussions with respect to any particular country is taking place within that context of our overall efforts. It is up to the principles interlocutors to take their allies and their partners into confidence on these issues.

 

(Amna Ali, Express News): Sir, how would you describe these first rounds of peace talks in Islamabad? Was it successful or failed, like, how would you characterize it?

 

Spokesperson: These were very constructive talks, as I said. Our Deputy Prime Minister’s statement above-referred to the continuation of the peace process. There was certainly not a major breakthrough in terms of any concrete document emanating from these talks, but there was no breakdown as well. I think our colleague Kamran Yousuf first and later some other journalists also use this phrase – no breakthrough and no breakdown. 

 

We interpret talks with a very positive spirit. I think the fact that these two delegations talked for 21 hours, and 21 hours, as I mentioned, is actually the duration of actual negotiations. If you count the amount of time they were in Islamabad that would exceed 24 hours. So, these were very intensive and extensive negotiations. I think the parties involved needs to be acknowledged, appreciated and praised for their commitment, for their constructive spirit, and indeed, for their resilience. I mean, we all have human constraints. We all need rest at a certain time. So, 21 sleepless hours, talking to each other, applying your mind on intricate issues, was commendable. I think the leadership from both countries must be commended and indeed also, the mediatory role our Deputy Prime Minister and the Chief of Defense Forces, who were also present throughout this duration. So, we have all the positive sentiments for everybody who took part in these negotiations.

 

Overall, we have a very positive sentiment and praise for a very historic role that the leadership from these three countries who were present in the venue and indeed their leadership in the capital demonstrated during those very historic two days or 21 hours.

 

(Carrie Davies, BBC): Can I just ask a couple of questions about some of the logistics as well? So you talked about 21 hours, but I think what we understood was that the Vice President went in at noon on the Saturday and obviously came out at about 7am so that is not quite 21 hours, so, was there conversations that had happened and discussions that had happened prior to him coming into the Serena hotel, just for our understanding of that 21 hours time difference, because it did not quite add up for our timings. And the other thing was, could you confirm who from Pakistan side was in the room during those discussions between Iran and the US, just in terms of, obviously, we have heard that the CDF was but it will be really helpful to know exactly who was representing from Pakistan side?

 

Spokesperson: So, the count of the hours, or the timeline as the US Vice President mentioned 21 hours. Our statement referred to, I think, 24 hours. If you count from the arrival of the first delegation to the departure, that timeline goes well beyond 24 hours. But irrespective of the exact time on the clock, the fact was that there was a considerable period of time for very intense negotiations. 

 

As regards who was present, from Pakistan side, our Prime Minister was there. He held bilateral meetings with both the delegations, as I mentioned, you must have seen, our press readouts. For much of the duration, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammed Ishaq Dar and the Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir were there in the talks. They basically helped in these talks, as was mentioned by our DPM in his concluding statement.

 

(Raja Mohsin Ijaz, ARY News): Iranian officials have stated that both sides were inches away from signing and Islamabad MOU yet the US described proposal as the final and best offer. Obviously, Tehran rejected. What is Pakistan's assessment of how close a deal actually was? 

 

Spokesperson: In the process of negotiations, it is very difficult to ascribe a metric system of measurement, inches, meters, centimeters. It is the call of the relevant parties to say how close they were. Pakistan remains positive, optimistic that an agreement/understanding is reachable and we are approaching the process with the same positivity.

 

(Asif Shahzad, Reuters): Actually, you have already clarified about the timing, venue and date, that there is no date or timing or venue confirm, so far. So I would like to draw your attention toward President Trump's statement. He said, I mean, he wants people to hang in there and then he specifically said that when there could be talks, I mean, breakthrough in next two days, and then White House has got a statement out that the same set of delegates will hold the talks at the same place. So my question is that has US not officially conveyed to Pakistan that I mean US would want the same venue and same delegates in the same place for these talks?

 

Spokesperson: You know these are the logistics. What is the composition of delegation, who is staying, who is not staying? We would obviously welcome the talks and who actually stays, and who comes or who does not; who is not part of the delegation – all of this is for the relevant parties to decide. So we do not certainly offer any comment. This was also the case in the first round of talks, we did not offer comments on the specifics of the content of the delegation and members. I think this is somewhat secondary. The primary question ought to be the fact that these parties are willing to hold talks. The mediatory process is continuing. I think we all must rejoice at this positivity.

 

(Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, The News): In your earlier remarks, you refer to the confidentiality. If there was any observed by the Pakistan media, then credit goes to you, but unfortunately or incidentally, the international media, which you kept very close to yourself during these talks, had been speculating and kite flying of all sort. Do you think that the way you kept Pakistan's media away from you, from the information from the place where the information was emanating, was it fair?

 

And the other part of my question, rather, it is the query. It is related with it, how far is this correct, that four Muslim countries QUAD consisting of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt is coming up?

 

Spokesperson: On your first question: it is a very important question that you have asked. Let me very unequivocally state that the confidentiality for us was paramount because of our mediatory and facilitatory role. 

 

I think you use the word “kept media away”, so borrowing your phrase, although I would not want to say that we kept media away. Media was indeed calling me all the time. There was a policy to not share information, which was applicable all media, international and local. So our policy, in that sense, was uniform. There are colleagues from international media here who had been calling me throughout and they would vouch for me that I did not share any information regarding the specifics. So our policy with respect to media, both local and international, was the same. We did not keep our dear colleagues from Pakistan away, and we did not embrace international media tightly on this issue. We were uniform in our approach.

 

An important aspect I wish to highlight is that in mediatory process, releasing information to media is the prerogative of the two principal interlocutors, the two parties to the conflict. It is their prerogative, whether they want to reveal certain information to their media or to anybody or not. They can exercise this prerogative as per their policies, and the way they conduct negotiations, I think information strategy, what is to be told to public, is part of any negotiation strategy. The science of negotiations, the software of negotiations includes media information and this was being exercised, or may have been exercised by the two principal interlocutors during Islamabad Talks. 

 

For us Pakistan, in mediatory and facilitatory role, we were the holder or the trustees of the information that we had. It was incumbent on us to uphold the trust, to uphold being the warrantor or trustee. So the reports we had regarding the specific of the talks, it was the trust of both parties entrusted to us and if we would have released it then it would have been breach of trust. In that sense, I think our media understood this point. So this is where I appreciate our media.

 

In Urdu: position of both countries and specific details was an “AMANAT. Hum ismein KHIYANAT Nahi Kar Saktey”, by revealing the information.

 

Your second question about QUAD as you referred this four countries group. First of all, we do not name our group as these four countries, Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. This is a group of four countries. The inaugural Senior Officials’ Meeting of the Group was held on 14th April. I was privileged to lead Pakistan in these talks and host senior diplomats from the three brotherly countries. We are working on areas of cooperation. We would spell it out at an opportune time. I would want to tell you that this grouping of the four countries has its genesis, prior to the Iran US hostilities that started in late last month. So we should not be seen to refer this alliance or this group, or this QUAD, as you said to, as any reaction to the current situation.

 

(Ayesha Mir, Pak TV Digital): Just going back to the issue of being inches away from solution. We did hear from Vice President JD Vance that the nuclear weapon was an issue, but before the talks began, we knew that the extension of the ceasefire into Lebanon was also a contentious issue, and there was a lot of confusion around it. So could you tell us anything more about the discussion around Lebanon, and if Pakistan's current continued efforts also include the extension of ceasefire into Lebanon?

 

Spokesperson: Lebanon remains in our interpretation, part of the broader ceasefire. We are encouraged by the fact that there have been some improvements on Israeli Lebanon front in the last two days. So peace in Lebanon, cessations of armed attacks in Lebanon are essential for peace talks. In that sense, a cessation of hostilities – against Lebanon would be conducive for peace talks. You mentioned about nuclear weapons. Nuclear issue was among other issues being discussed.

 

(Mona Khan, News Channel): I am little late, so I do not know if somebody has already asked this question. Do we expect any guarantors from their friendly countries in the next round of talks? Any comment?

 

Spokesperson: Expect and guarantors are two abstract words. So expectations are positive. Our channels of communication are open, so I really do not know what you mean by a guarantor.

 

(Saad Sayeed, Reuters): Just wanted to ask the content of the negotiations is fairly technical when it comes to the nuclear stuff and the sanctions. So has the IAEA and the UN been involved in the negotiations through Pakistan?

 

Spokesperson: The United Nations Secretary Generals, has held had conversations with Deputy Prime Minister level.  About the other, I am not aware of.

 

(Mateen Haider, WE News): Mr. Spokesman, this is just a point. I recommend follow up to whatever dear colleague Saleh Zaafur has earlier suggested, and whatever you commented. Will it be possible that if this time talks take place, and at the end of the talks, if the head of the American delegation and the way our DPM and Foreign Minister also spoke, that media speaking facility could be shifted to the convention center where there was media. So this is just a suggestion, while you may make arrangements for the next round of talks. So this was what, basically, his point was that we did not have that opportunity to interact with them. So if this time, if such arrangement is made, so we hope so that there could be some speaking arrangement over there. Thank you. 

 

Spokesperson: The point is well noted.

 

(Syeda Qurat Ul Ain, Independent Urdu): Almost two weeks ago, you said that there is delegation in Afghanistan who has been in talks with the concerned officials. Is the delegation back? Have these talks been halted? Or what is the update about it?

 

Spokesperson: You are referring to the Urumqi talks in a trilateral format. Yes, the talks are over. Our delegation is back. And obviously, our delegation, the Afghanistan Division in Foreign Office are working on the follow up of these meetings. Any channel for peace remains open. The underlying principle of our approach towards Afghanistan is a simple fact that they need to uphold their commitments made in Doha and under international law – not to allow their territory to be used for terrorism against Pakistan. That fundamental point remains to be addressed. We would continue to seek written and verifiable assurances from Afghan side on this issue. While doing so, we would remain cognizant of the security imperative and the need to protect our security forces, our law enforcement agencies, our ordinary civilians, those living in the border and as well as those in our national hinterland, to be protected from terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.