Ladies and Gentlemen Assalam o Alaikum!

I welcome you all at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

I will begin with a roundup of the activities over the past week. 

At the invitation of U.S. President Donald J. Trump, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is visiting Washington, D.C. to attend the inaugural session of the Board of Peace on 19 February 2026. 

The Prime Minister is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, other Ministers and senior officials.
 
In addition to attending the inaugural session of the BOP, the Prime Minister will also interact with senior U.S. leadership, as well as his counterparts attending the meeting. The occasion will provide an opportunity for discussions on matters of bilateral as well as global issues of concern.

We will keep you posted of the Prime Minister’s engagements in the United States in the coming hours. 

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister was in New York yesterday for hectic one-day engagements at the United Nations. 

He attended a high-level briefing of the United Nations Security Council on the situation in Palestine, chaired by the UK Foreign Secretary in her capacity as the Council’s President. We just now issued a Press Release on the event. 

On the sidelines, he held bilateral meetings with counterparts to discuss issues of mutual interest

His first such meeting was with Ambassador Riyadh Mansour, Permanent Representative of the State of Palestine to the United Nations 

Mr. Riyadh Mansour thanked Pakistan for its steadfast and principled support for the Palestinian cause, including at the UN, and appreciated its leading role in advocating for the Palestinian people at all fora.

The DPM/FM also met Foreign Minister of Egypt Mr. Badr Abdelatty.

They reviewed bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction with ongoing cooperation across multiple sectors, reaffirming the importance of close coordination. The two ministers also exchanged views on Gaza, the West Bank and regional developments, stressing adherence to international law and the need for immediate, unhindered humanitarian access.

The DPM/FM also met Mr. Sugiono, Foreign Minister of Indonesia. They reviewed bilateral ties and expressed satisfaction at the depth & strength of the longstanding brotherly relations between the two countries.

The two leaders also exchanged views on regional & international developments, particularly the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, and agreed to work closely for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in Palestine, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar received a joint delegation of the Economic Pakistan American Council (E-PAC) and the United Muslim American Association (UMAA). DPM/FM acknowledged the significant role of the U.S. private sector in strengthening Pak-U.S. bilateral trade and economic cooperation. He also underscored the vital contribution of civil society organizations in promoting interfaith harmony, and deeper people-to-people ties between the two countries.

At the invitation of H.E. Christian Stocker, Federal Chancellor of Austria, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, undertook an official visit to Vienna, Austria, on 15–16 February 2026. The visit marked 70 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Austria. The visit — the first by a Pakistani Prime Minister in over three decades, included bilateral talks focused on strengthening cooperation. 

The Prime Minister held formal delegation-level talks with the Federal Chancellor of Austria. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding collaboration in trade, investment, tourism, education, IT, healthcare, and human resource development, grounded in shared support for multilateralism and international law.

He also chaired the Pakistan–Austria Business Forum organized by the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKO). 

A Joint Statement was issued by Austria and Pakistan on successful conclusion of the visit. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, the UN system, and a rules-based global order, while discussing global developments and cooperation in peace, security, sustainable development, and human rights. They highlighted the potential to expand bilateral ties in trade, investment, tourism, education, IT, healthcare, and human resource development, agreeing to finalize relevant MoUs. Our Prime Minister invited Austrian businesses to the EU-Pakistan Business Forum in Islamabad and extended an invitation to Chancellor Stocker to visit Pakistan.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar addressed a high-level event at the United Nations Office at Vienna titled “Sustainable Development: Pathways for Global Peace and Prosperity,” highlighting the strong link between peace and development and Pakistan’s commitment to the UN Charter and multilateralism. The event was attended by heads of Vienna-based international organizations and members of the diplomatic community. 

He acknowledged the role of the Vienna—based UN organizations, namely, International Atomic Energy Agency, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs in promoting the peace–development nexus. 

At the United Nations Office at Vienna, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar signed three key agreements to strengthen Pakistan’s cooperation with UN agencies – in ceremonies witnessed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

He concluded a Collaborating Centre Agreement between INMOL Lahore and the International Atomic Energy Agency with Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, under which, INMOL was designated an IAEA Collaborating Centre. 

He also signed the UNODC Country Programme for Pakistan (PAKCP4) and Country Partnership Pakistan 2026–2030. 

PM met Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, DPM/FM accompanied him in Vienna. They discussed the vital role of the IAEA in advancing peaceful uses of nuclear technology and strengthening global nuclear safety and security. He also conveyed his best wishes for his continued efforts in promoting peaceful uses of nuclear technology and sustainable development.

Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with Foreign Minister of Egypt, Dr. Badr Abdelatty and Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. Discussions focused on the evolving regional situation, forthcoming international engagements, and agreed to remain in close contact.

Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiative Prof Ahsan Iqbal attended the oath taking ceremony of Prime Minister of Bangladesh His Excellency Mr. Tarique Rahman held in Dhaka on 17 February.

He also met Prime Minister Rahman and conveyed warm felicitations and invitation from the Prime Minister to visit Pakistan at the earliest convenience. They also discussed to enhance cooperation across various domains including education, trade, connectivity, revival of SAARC, People to People and cultural exchanges.

Earlier in the day he called on the Chief Advisor Professor Mubammad Yunus and invited him to visit Pakistan. He also met the opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman at the Parliament building. He invited Dr. Rahman to visit Pakistan along with a Parliamentary delegation. 

On the morning of 18th February, he laid a wreath at the grave of late Begum Khaleda Zia and paid tribute to her contributions to the political landscape of Bangladesh and bringing people of Pakistan and Bangladesh closer. 

The Minister also launched 40 publication of Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s in Bangla language on Pakistan High Commission’s website. During the event, he interacted with Pakistani students studying in Bangladesh.

Joint Statements were released by the Foreign Ministers of the Islamic/Arab States Rejecting the Israel’s Illegal Measures in the Occupied West Bank

The Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar strongly condemned Israel’s decision to designate large areas of the occupied West Bank as “state land” and to expand settlement-related land registration. They describe the move as an illegal escalation aimed at accelerating settlements and consolidating control over occupied territory. The ministers stated that these actions violate international law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention, UN Security Council resolutions — particularly Resolution 2334 — and the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice. They reaffirms full support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and for the establishment of an independent State of Palestine on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. 

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(Nimra Sohail, PTV):    Sir, Indian citizen Nikhil Gupta has been arrested in the United States for plotting to assassinate an American citizen. Indian subversive activities across the globe are getting exposed with every passing day. What are your comments on this development?    

Spokesperson: Yes, we have noted this development and seen the reports on it. Pakistan has been consistently highlighting India’s involvement in extra territorial assassination campaigns, which is not only confirmed in Pakistan, but also spread across multiple countries, including the United States, Pakistan has also shared irrefutable, concrete evidence of Indian sponsorship of terrorism and the terrorist groups operating in Pakistan from across our borders. The latest details which are available in the media vindicate our position and highlight the need for the international community to take serious notice of this situation. Besides being an epicenter of disinformation misinformation, India has also become the leading state sponsor of terrorism under the current regime, in the garb of extremist Hindutva ideology. This is a worrying development, which we continue to follow.

(Khalid Mehmood, Express News):     Sir, today in the summit of Board of Peace, is there any discussion expected to send the troops to Gaza? If there is anything like this on the agenda then what is Pakistan’s stance on this?

(Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, The News):    There were news in the international wire service that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu could also attend the Board of Peace, but now the information says that he is not turning up over there. I wish to know that, does his presence in this board irritate Pakistan in any manner. 

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today):    Sir what are the expectations of Pakistan regarding first meeting of Board of Peace and how much successful it would be while Israel is moving on the same path?

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV):    Sir, will the Field Marshall be accompanying the Prime Minister for the meeting of the Board of Peace? Secondly, sir this meeting is being conducted amid the issuance of press release by the foreign office condemning that Israel has declared the West Bank as a state land. 8 Foreign Ministers also condemned that there is a joint communique on that. So, what are the expectations of Pakistan from this board where Israel is also a member of it. And is Field Marshall accompanying the Prime Minister?

(Asghar Ali Mubarik, The Daily Mail International):    Sir, there would be some agenda points for ISF too, has Pakistan presented its point of view on this?

Spokesperson:    Let me summarize all the questions. One on the International Security Assistance Force: We understand that a decision is awaited on the contours of the mandate of the International Stabilization Force, and till such time, we're not in a position to take any decision on this matter. We have identified our red lines quite explicitly. The DPM / FM has done so here from this platform, and elsewhere. Pakistan can be part of a peacekeeping mandate, but we would not be part of any disarming/demilitarization mandates. This discussion in (Board of Peace) Washington might take place today. We will update you as and when these developments take place. 

The participation of one country or another in the meeting is not a direct concern. We have joined Board of Peace with a particular focus i.e. the reconstruction in Gaza, long term settlement of the Palestinian issues. So, we would continue to follow this approach, and not be bothered by participation of one country or another. 

Our expectation remains alive, as we have said BoP offers a glimmer of hope. So, we hope that the Board of Peace will live up to its expectation and help in easing the plight of the people of Palestine, particularly those in Gaza – bring peace, prosperity, progress and a pathway towards a lasting solution of the Palestinian problem. 

The final question about the developments in the West Bank – I think this subject might also come in the Board of Peace meeting that how Israel is violating international law UN resolutions in wider Occupied Palestinian Territories, not just Gaza. The Board of Peace (BoP) meeting affords an opportunity to discuss this important connected development on which we have also stated unequivocally, including the eight Arab Islamic Foreign Ministers in their Joint Statement have also expressed concerns on these developments.

(Mateen Haider, GTV News):    Mr. Spokesperson, at a time when Prime Minister of Pakistan is in Washington, there are reports that Pakistan has expressed an interest in meeting with the US President. So, through diplomatic channel, a message or a request has been lodged. So, would you confirm that there is a possibility of separate meeting between Prime Minister of Pakistan and the US President Trump?

Spokesperson: I'm not aware of it. We'll keep you updated on any developments in this regard. 

(Muhammad Anas Ahsan Malik, Asia One News):    Two questions. Firstly, the former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, in a statement, has said, and I quote, “Türkiye is trying to flip Saudi Arabia against us and establish a hostile Sunni axis that includes nuclear armed Pakistan”. Your comments on this. Number one. 

Number two, we're seeing the Iran negotiations between the US and Iran, and increasing drum beats of a war that is, as per the American media, it is imminent and literally on the deck. If that is, what happens, what is Pakistan's position on the matter, particularly with regards to these negotiations, and since you mentioned the Board of Peace, would Pakistan be taking this up as part of sideline interactions with the US administration, as it did in Davos?

Spokesperson:    About the statement of the Israeli official – this is purely speculative. We would not to offer a comment on a statement from an official of a country whom we do not recognize. Nature of the statement is inherently speculative anyway. 

On Iran, Pakistan is supportive of peace diplomacy. In the Prime Minister's meeting with the leadership, this advocacy for peace and diplomacy in our region would be reiterated. Our region cannot afford another war and this message will resonate in our interaction in Washington as well. 

(Raziq Mehmood Bhatti, Kashmir Express):    Sir, Parliamentary Kashmir Committee in Jammu Kashmir has stated that some words used in Jammu and Kashmir regarding Pakistan in social, diplomatic, and moral support are not enough. So, is there any new development or is there any new policy being made for Tehreek e Azaadi e Kashmir?

Spokesperson:    I wish to reiterate that we stand by our Kashmiri brothers and sisters, in their struggle for right to self-determination with full political, moral, diplomatic support. This support takes place in our bilateral exchanges with individual countries as well as with international civil society, human rights advocacy groups, think tanks dealing on matters with peace and security and conflict studies. Third area in this regard is UN and other multilateral forum. So, our efforts would continue on all those three tracks. And of course, we constantly seek guidance of the Parliament and Kasmir Committee in furthering our endeavors for the support to the Kashmiri people. 

(Kiran Butt, The Khorasaan Diary):    Yesterday, two developments took place on the very same day. One was that the Taliban freed three Pakistani soldiers, which were captured during the clashes of October last year, and they handed over them to a Saudi delegation visiting Kabul and the second one was that Pakistan demarched the Afghan DHM on the Bajaur attack in which our 11 soldiers lost their lives. So, is there as a third country in this case is Saudi Arabia mediating between Pakistan and Afghanistan on the security related issues also and if there are any Afghan soldiers which are in captivity of Pakistani forces and if they are going to release them also as a goodwill gesture? 

Spokesperson:    First of all, on this release of any Pakistani soldiers, we await confirmation. I do not have any comment to offer on it. However, I can comment on the demarche that we issued yesterday afternoon to Afghanistan. And this demarche was in the context of the cowardly attack which took place on the 16th of February in Bajour district. This was a very worrying development. You know, this attack they breached the check post, but their nefarious design was swiftly and decisively foiled by a response from our security forces. Tragically, the civilian residential building in close proximity suffered destructions as a result of explosion, leading to martyrdom of one innocent child, girl child, and injuries to seven others, women and children. So, this was a worrying development, on which we issued a demarche. I don't think it's right to link the demarche with any action that has taken place between Afghan authorities and other international interlocutors. This is a standalone development. We took it with the seriousness that it merited.  
(Zaafir Malik, Mainichi Newspaper): Sir, SAARC was an effective initiative of mutual cooperation among the countries of South Asia, but it became ineffective due to India’s stubborn attitude. The idea of establishing SAARC was proposed by the late President of Bangladesh, Zia Ur Rahman. Now his party is in power in Bangladesh. How do you see the future of SAARC? 

Spokesperson: Pakistan has expressed its disappointment on the blockade of SAARC process by India. We have done so a number of times, and we wish to reiterate it. This organization in South Asia, has been hijacked by India because of its political consideration. Since the rules of procedure of SAARC are based on consensus, so obviously one dissenting party practically holds a veto over the SAARC process. Having said that, the new government in Bangladesh that assumed charge in Dhaka offers a promise; after all the SAARC was the initiative of the Former Prime Minister late Mr. Zia ur Rahman of Bangladesh. So now with this BNP government, there are hopes. We will work with Bangladesh to revive SAARC. And as I mentioned, Federal Minister, Professor, Ahsan Iqbal, discussed this issue with the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. We will follow up on those discussions to see how effectively and urgently the SAARC process could be revived.

(Wasim Abbasi, Arab News): I have a follow up question to Miss Kiran’s question, is Saudi Arabia playing a role in mediation between Pakistan and Afghanistan? As we have seen, three Pakistani soldiers were released on request of Saudi authorities/Saudi Embassy?

(Muhammad Anas Ahsan Malik, Asia One News): Furthering what was asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, while addressing a briefing here in this Ministry, had said that the negotiations in Saudi bore the same result which have what happened in Istanbul. This is the year end briefing, everything that we conducted, I think, on the third of January this year, furthering to what Wasim has just asked, what is the role that Saudi Arabia is playing? Is there a revival in these negotiations, or the role that Saudi Arabia was playing, which the Deputy Prime Minister had negated back at like, a month ago?

Spokesperson: Pakistan values the positive role of our brotherly countries, our important OIC Islamic countries – in messaging the Taliban leadership, reminding them of their obligations under international law to ensure that their territory is not used for terrorism in Pakistan. Now, this exchange between Afghan Taliban regime and other governments takes place. I understand such an exchange may have also take place between Riyadh and Kabul. So to the extent of this advocacy, yes, we welcome and support the role of not just Saudi Arabia, but all other brotherly countries who are actually advocating for peace and diplomacy, and to ensure that Afghan soil is not used against Pakistan. So, this message is being given, passed on to Kabul through various channels, including, I understand by Saudi Arabia as well. To that extent, the role is there. However, if you ask about any structured mediation – talks of the nature of what took place in Istanbul and prior to that in Doha – I am not aware of that role and I would strongly urge you not to speculate into it. To the extent of advocacy, to the extent of counseling the Taliban regime of their obligations under international law, not to let their soil be used against terrorism, against Pakistan – this kind of messaging is flowing and we welcome this exchange of international governments with Taliban.

(Allah Noor Wazir, Mashriq TV): Sir, you stated that Pakistan has conveyed many times that Afghan soil must not be used against Pakistan. Are these messages effective that we kept sending through different channels?

Secondly, regarding Board of Peace, what benefits Pakistan can attain from Board of Peace and will Pakistan request the Board to provide funds to fight against terrorism?

Spokesperson:  By definition of profit loss context, there is obviously a merit in positive messaging and advice to Kabul – from Pakistan, UN and relevant international organizations, foreign governments, particularly from Arab Islamic governments etc., which are our key partners. So, yes, there is a certain value in that exchange. I am sorry, I cannot quantify it in the terms of the ‘Benefit’ that you asked. 

And secondly, on Board of Peace, again, Board of Peace is also, as I said, you know, it offers a hope. We are in it with a positive intent, and we hope that this will lead to the easement of the plight of the Palestinian people. So, yes, there is a certain merit. How far you quantify it, in terms of the Profit and Loss matrix, is your judgment. In our estimate, yes, these are positive exchanges, and they certainly have a value. And we therefore support these exchanges. 

(Abbas Jaffer, Roznama District): Sir, recently Balochistan faced wave of terrorism. Did Pakistan register its protest against these terrorist attacks in any international body?

Secondly, Chief Minister of Balochistan stated that we will pursue terrorists residing in foreign countries and we will not negotiate with them. Is there any progress on this matter? 

Spokesperson: On terrorism supported by external elements in Balochistan: Certain important developments have taken place in this regard. For example, the latest report of Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee to the UN Security Council, which clearly linked the BLA and Fitnah al Hind/Fitnah-e-Hindustan to Afghanistan, the ecosystem of support that these elements get, from Afghanistan. So, those discussions in the UN are continuing. You would also be aware that we had concrete evidence of the Indian involvement in some high-profile terrorist attacks in Balochistan, for example, the Jaffar Express incident – that evidence has been shared by us with the international community. 

Follow up discussions on this matter are taking place, not just with the United Nations, with the relevant Sanctions Committee, but also with our important bilateral partners. For example, United States has designated certain terrorist outfits in Balochistan as terrorist and so have Europe and UK. So discussions on bilateral channels are going on. We urge the international community, particularly the UN Security Council to stop these acts of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan including with support of India. So this is an exchange which is going on. Supported by evidence, this message is resonating in relevant international quarters.

(Tahir Khan, NNI): The last paragraph of the latest press release on Afghanistan in which it is mentioned that Afghan Ambassador was summoned, in its last paragraph, it is written that to safeguard the lives of Pakistani citizens, Pakistan has the right to strike against Fitnah ul Khawaraj elements and its facilitators. Has Pakistan lost patience diplomatically, and how Pakistan will use this right? 

Spokesperson: My emphasis on dialogue diplomacy on this issue was in the context of broader relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan – our ties, the fact that we share history, we share culture; ethnic and linguistic links. So, talk of dialogue and diplomacy is in those contexts. However, when it comes to attack against Pakistan, when it comes to killing of innocent civilians, little child that was martyred in Bajour, seven other women and children – in response to those attack, what do you expect from us? Our patience is obviously not unlimited – that is why I stated last week that the statements from the Defense Minister and ISPR are fully endorsed and comprehensible. These statements demonstrate the fact that there is no positive response from Afghanistan to Pakistan's very legitimate demands that Afghan territory should not be used for terrorism inside Pakistan. So, as long as this demand is not met, whilst exercising patience, all options would obviously remain on table. We cannot let our people be killed incessantly, mercilessly. We reserve the right of any action in our right to self-defense, which is given to us under Article 51 of the UN Charter. Any action that we take against these terrorists will be essentially under our right to self-defense and the imperative of protecting the lives of our innocent civilians and the lives of our security forces.

(Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, The News): An Indian girl, rather, you can call her lady, belonging to East Punjab, her name is Sarbajit Kaur. She was already in wedlock there, back there in her country, and she came to Pakistan last year on a pilgrimage. And incidentally, she tied knot with the gentleman here in Pakistan as well. Now the minister for the minorities of Pakistani Punjab, Ramesh Arora, has asked the federal government to repatriate that girl, or hand her over to the Indian authorities, although this is the domain of Interior ministry, but I wish know, what is the position of the Foreign Office in this matter?

Spokesperson: I am not aware of any latest developments with regard to status of this individual. I can check and get back to you, while respecting the privacy and the choices of an individual.

(Anwer Abbas, 24 News HD): Sir, Tony Blair is going to head Board of Peace Conference who has no relation with the Middle East. Was there no Muslim candidate who could have headed Board of Peace? 

Secondly, the Joint Statement of 8 Muslim countries which was issued by MoFA, originally its name is Donald Trump’s facilitator of 08 Muslim countries. Why we do not write the complete name? 

Spokesperson: I will not comment on the presence of an individual. I do not have the full picture of the religion followed by the members of the Board, and how many Muslims and non-Muslims are there. 

On your second question: This is a group of eight countries, not obliged to a nomenclature given by any third party. We have the liberty of using whatever title we wish. So this question of yours is a little misplaced I must say.

(Aijaz Ahmed, GNN News): Sir, I have two questions. Three characters, son of Khan of Kalat, Salman, Haq Biyar Wali and Bramdagh Bugti. It is undeniable fact that these individuals have established links with BLA. They want to break Pakistan. Have we taken actions against them by ceasing their accounts and cancelling their Pakistani nationality and also against their facilitators? 

Secondly, on January 29, 2026, India did not appear in ICJ Arbitration court. Indian media is reporting that Indus Water treaty is null and void. What options we have on the table to make it enforceable because PAC seems unable to do so? 

Spokesperson: First of all, on Balochistan: To the extent of the mandate of the Foreign Office, I can tell you that we have been apprising the international community on terrorism in Balochistan – their abettors, their supporters, their facilitators. Our information is evidence based and concrete, covering all the individuals who are present anywhere in the world, not just in Afghanistan or India, but also in Europe. As regards to a particular individual, I think I will refer you to the Ministry of Interior.

As regards Indus Water Treaty, we are following it in various forums within the Indus Water Treaty. Firstly, is the forum of the Indus water Commissioner. Last week, I apprised you that the Sawalkote hydro project on Chenab River in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir has been raised by the Pakistani Indus Water Commissioner. There is another case in the Court of Arbitration. So we are following all those channels. And what we are emphasizing to India and to the world and to the World Bank and other relevant stakeholders is the fact that there is no provision of abeyance or walking away from the treaty. Any such action under international law merits serious repercussions in terms of a country's legal obligations with respect to the treaties that it has signed. India aspires to be a big power and play larger role at the United Nations. Yet, India cannot honour the agreement that it has inked with Pakistan. There are legal consequences of violating an international agreement. So the violation of this IWT carries certain consequences, and India should be prepared to face those consequences. We, on our part, remain firm that we will not let India weaponize water. We will not compromise on even a single drop of water that the Indus Water Treaty allows us to have. We will not compromise on the water rights of the people of Pakistan.