Assalam-o-Alaikum,

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Assalam-o-Alaikum,
 
I welcome you all to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
 
The Highlight of this week has been the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Summit for Joint Defence held on 7 August 2026, bringing together the leadership of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. 

The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, which you all covered extensively, reflects the three States’ shared commitment to further strengthening their collective security and to promoting peace, security, and stability in the region and beyond. 

This Agreement is a natural step in the longstanding brotherly relations and strategic ties between the three countries and displays our resolve for sharing the burden of regional peace and security. The agreement is purely defensive in nature and allows unified efforts to confront threats and security challenges to the member states. 

In his message to the nation on 10 August 2026, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar warmly felicitated the nation on the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, describing it as a historic milestone. The DPM underscored that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and the Foreign Office under his own leadership; Pakistan played a pivotal role in bringing the historic Makkah Accord to fruition. He commended the leadership in safeguarding Pakistan’s national interests and strengthening strategic partnerships with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Pakistan remains engaged alongside other brotherly states in sincere efforts to resolve the crisis in the Gulf and the Middle East.

Pakistan is making all out efforts to bring the two parties to negotiating table. Islamabad MoU paved the way for peace and stability in the region. Pakistan will continue to offset spoilers using direct and indirect channels and enable continuation of constructive dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues. 

In the context of our peace efforts, on 10 August 2026, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister held telephone conversations with the Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia, Iran and Kuwait. 

a)     With Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, he discussed bilateral and multilateral cooperation, regional developments, and the            importance of continued close coordination. 

b)    In his conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, they exchanged views on regional and international developments,                 efforts to promote peace and stability, and the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. 

c)   He also spoke with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, with discussions focusing on the Makkah Agreement,        regional developments, Pakistan-Kuwait relations, follow-up to the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister’s recent visit to Pakistan, and enhanced                    cooperation and investment.

On 11 August 2026, DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, who congratulated him on the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and expressed his intention to visit Pakistan. DPM/FM welcomed the proposed visit and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy for regional peace and stability.

Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi is visiting Tehran, for meetings with senior Iranian officials. His visit provides an opportunity to discuss bilateral relations, security-related matters, and regional developments, with a particular focus on efforts to promote peace, stability, and constructive engagement in the region.

Ladies and Gentlemen

The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister remained actively engaged in diplomatic outreach, including important bilateral telephone conversations with his counterparts and other international leaders.

On 9 August 2026, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand. They exchanged views on regional developments, including the recently signed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, the evolving situation in the US-Iran context, and the situation in Occupied East Jerusalem. They also agreed to remain closely engaged on matters of shared interest.

On 11 August 2026, DPM/FM spoke with the Foreign Minister of Senegal H.E. Mr. Cheikh Niang.The two Ministers expressed their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Senegal bilateral relations across all areas of mutual interest. They also agreed to enhance ongoing cooperation and coordination at multilateral fora, particularly the United Nations.

On the same day, DPM/FM spoke with the Indonesian Foreign Minister H.E. Sugiono. The two leaders exchanged views on bilateral relations and regional and international developments, including the evolving situation concerning US-Iran engagements. FM Sugiono appreciated Pakistan’s constructive and important role in promoting dialogue and facilitating efforts towards peace and stability. 

The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister also held a joint telephone conversation with President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and former President of Guinea-Bissau General UmaroSissocoEmbaló on 10 August 2026. He briefed them on the contours and significance of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and its role in strengthening strategic cooperation and contributing to regional peace, stability and security. He also discussed with President Tshisekedi the importance of further strengthening Pakistan-DRC bilateral relations, including through high-level exchanges.

Pakistan and New Zealand Hold Political Consultations and Joint Trade Committee Meetings

Meanwhile, on 6 August 2026, Pakistan and New Zealand held the 5th round of Political Consultations and the 3rd round of the Joint Trade Committee meetings in Wellington. The two sides discussed bilateral relations and explored avenues for enhanced cooperation in economic development, science and technology, education, counterterrorism and people-to-people ties. Views were exchanged on regional and international developments and agreed to enhance coordination at multilateral forums.

The Joint Trade Committee discussions focused on strengthening bilateral trade and investment, particularly in agriculture, livestock, information technology, education and services. The two sides also discussed cooperation in sustainable agriculture, wool production and plant protection. A key outcome was the signing of an Education Cooperation Arrangement between Pakistan and New Zealand, aimed at deepening collaboration in the education sector and further advancing the mutually beneficial bilateral relationship.

With that, I conclude my opening statement and will now be happy to take your questions.

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(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): I have multiple questions, but I will stick to one this time. And I want your comment on the recent attack by the Houthis in Bab ul Mandab. This attack was on a commercial vessel, and the crew members were killed, including three Pakistanis, while 11 Pakistani and Indonesian sailors were rescued. The Foreign Office had issued a statement before these Houthi attacks, so I wish to have your comment on it.

Spokesperson: This is a sad development that took place last evening. Our Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister has just issued a statement on X platform. Please do refer to his statement. We learned with deep concern about this unfortunate incident involving an attack on a commercial vessel in the Red Sea. According to the information available as of now, three Pakistani nationals have lost their lives, and one has sustained injuries. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

Pakistan strongly condemns this attack on a non-combatant commercial vessel. Such attacks endanger innocent lives, constitute a violation of international law, and pose a serious threat to freedom of navigation, maritime security, and the safety of commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

We are in contact with the relevant Saudi authorities. In fact, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister has instructed our mission in Riyadh to remain in contact with the Saudi authorities, as well as the internationally recognized government of Yemen, to ascertain further details of the incident and the circumstances surrounding it. Efforts are also underway, in coordination with the concerned authorities, for the retrieval and repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased Pakistani nationals, as well as for the necessary medical assistance to the injured national.

The Government of Pakistan will continue to closely follow the situation, and we will share the details with the media as and when they become available.

Let me add one point about this maritime coalition announced by KSA. It is related to this question. We support freedom of navigation and maritime security in international waterways under international law. Pakistan is a signatory to this coalition and abide by its communiqué. We are ready and willing to assist Saudi Arabia and other coalition partners in the operationalization of this communiqué to preserve the safety and security of the global supply chain, as well as maritime traffic.

(Hussein Raza, PTV): Indian MEA spokesperson, in his weekly briefing, made comments on the recent protests in Azad Kashmir. What is your response to this particular matter, sir?

Spokesperson: Yes, we saw the statement by India MEA. We categorically reject the baseless statement and allegations made by the Indian MEA regarding Azad Jammu and Kashmir. India’s professed concerns for human rights in AJK are disingenuous, given its own well-documented record of repression in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including excessive use of force, arbitrary detentions, suppression of political freedom, and sweeping powers of security forces under the draconian laws enacted there.

India’s deliberate exaggeration and politicization of recent developments in AJK are quite misleading, and they cannot divert attention from the stark realities in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan remains fully committed to the protection of the fundamental rights and democratic freedoms of the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including the inalienable right to self-determination of all the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Rather than making such baseless statements regarding AJK, India would be well advised to honor the commitments made by its founding fathers and uphold the right of the people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir to freely determine their future through a UN-administered plebiscite, in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions.

(Kiran Butt, The Khorasan Diary): The U.S. State Department, in its Fiscal Transparency Report 2026, issued on 11 August, said that Pakistan did not meet the U.S. Department of State’s minimum fiscal transparency requirements, including regarding debt disclosure, military and intelligence agencies’ budgets, and institutional oversight. Does the Ministry view this assessment as unwarranted interference in Pakistan’s fiscal policies, and will this be raised in the bilateral talks with Washington?

Spokesperson: This is a development that took place yesterday. We have seen the U.S. Department of State’s Fiscal Transparency Report 2026, which is mandated by the U.S. Congress, I understand. Pakistan is included amongst the 67 countries that did not meet these minimum criteria. While Pakistan adheres to internationally established best practices with respect to fiscal transparency, the budgeting process, and financial disclosure, it is also required to follow our own constitutional, legislative, and regulatory framework.

As you are aware, Pakistan is currently in an IMF program, which, by its design, is focused on structural reform and improving fiscal management. Pakistan has successfully completed three IMF reviews, and its reform process and the measures taken under the process have been widely appreciated, including the credit rating upgrades by the three international rating agencies, as well as by the IMF. 

I will also refer you to the Ministry of Finance for further information on this subject.

(Mateen Haider): It is about the statement that you made in your opening statement regarding the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement. Following this, perhaps two or three days later, there was a statement by the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister that this agreement is open to a number of other countries. So, please share with us whether any other countries in the Gulf region are willing to join this. Is there any willingness? And second, would you share with us whether there have been certain reports and comments that Pakistan took China and the United States into confidence before the signing of this strategically extraordinary trilateral defense agreement? So, did Pakistan take China and the U.S. into confidence before signing this agreement?

Spokesperson: Well, on your first question, yes, the agreement is open. I am not particularly aware of which specific countries may join in the future. You have to understand that this agreement is defensive in nature. Therefore, in that context, the agreement is geared towards peace and security not just of the three countries, but of the region and beyond. So, we will continue our collective efforts for collective security for the region and beyond. And it is in this spirit that the possibility of further countries joining remains open.

And as regards consultations with other countries, including the major powers that you mentioned. This is a matter of diplomatic exchanges. I am not privy to any particular exchange on this matter. Our dialogue and channels of communication with China and the United States are open.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ TV): Sir, I have two questions. You have talked a lot about Pakistan continuing its efforts for peace because the real issue in the region is peace between Iran and the United States. What is the basis of your optimism still, when you know that from February until August, we are sitting here? And secondly, you just talked about Pakistan’s readiness to assist the Saudi-led coalition against the Houthis. Are you talking about something which Pakistan did not do in 2016? Will Pakistan now be part of a broader Arab alliance against the Houthis in Bab ul Mandab and the Red Sea?

Spokesperson: On your first question about the reasons for optimism: the reason for optimism is that, as a mediator and facilitator of talks, we remain optimistic that a solution can be in sight. If you see various cycles in this conflict, the parties have resorted to talks after escalation – there have been periods of heightened escalation, followed by relative calm and eventual dialogue. This is the natural progression of any armed conflict of international significance.

We are not discouraged by escalations, just as we do not get overly optimistic when there is a period of calm, but we maintain sustained engagement with the parties in order to resolve the conflicts. This has also been the trend throughout this week. As I mentioned, we had three very important telephone calls in a single day this week by the Deputy Prime Minister. We expect the visit of the Bahraini Foreign Minister soon. The Foreign Minister of Kuwait was here last week. So, efforts for peace are ongoing. We will continue our engagement with a fair degree of optimism that ought to be there in any credible facilitator and mediator.

As regards this support to Saudi Arabia on the question of Yemen: I would not venture into comparing this support with any previous engagements with Saudi Arabia on Yemen. But, as I have stated, Pakistan is a signatory to this maritime coalition communiqué, and we will implement it with full earnest. In this regard, we are engaged with the Saudi authorities, including with regard to this latest incident, where three Pakistani nationals were unfortunately killed and one sustained injuries.

So, on the directions of the DPM/Foreign Minister, the Mission in Riyadh is ascertaining details of this incident and remains in touch, and this is again in the context of our cooperation with Saudi Arabia.

(Sophia Saifi, CNN): I just wanted to understand, because there was a statement that was just released by IRNA regarding a message that was delivered to the Iranian leadership yesterday when the Interior Minister was there from the Prime Minister and the Field Marshal. But, you know, specifically regarding the Prime Minister, do you have any understanding of what that could have been? Like, a broad explanation of what that could have included? And are we expecting another round of talks, perhaps in the capital, in the near future?

Spokesperson: I will not share the details of what exactly was the message, but this is essentially in the context of peace efforts. The Interior Minister visited Tehran and carried our messages. These are part of the regular diplomatic exchanges. Of course, I understand the visit of the Interior Minister also has a certain bilateral context with respect to his portfolio as the Minister for Interior, and that he held meetings in this regard with his Iranian counterpart.

Secondly, on future talks: the invitation to the Foreign Minister of Iran and the Speaker of Parliament has been extended by Pakistan. We are expecting the visit on mutually convenient dates in the future. If talks on the wider peace process in Islamabad are to take place, this can take place as and when the parties wish to have such a dialogue.

(Khalid Mehmood, Express News): Mr. Andrabi, despite repeated clarifications from the Foreign Office, the Indian media is portraying the Makkah Agreement in a different light. Sometimes they declare it to be a NATO-like alliance, and at other times, they frame it in a sectarian context. So, there is intense propaganda underway regarding this. What are your comments on it?

Spokesperson: Regarding Indian propaganda: I am not aware of the exact commentary going on in the Indian media that you referred. We have seen the official response. 

The agreement is intended to strengthen collective deterrence against any act of aggression, and the agreement very clearly stipulates that an attack on one of the three states shall be regarded as an attack against all of them. It provides for the enhancement of defence cooperation as well. So, the agreement is about defence and common deterrence. It is not about aggression. The three countries’ focus of the agreement is on defence. As such, the negative propaganda (from India) we dismiss with the disdain that such propaganda deserves.

(Muhammad Anas Ahsan Mallick, Asia One News): Today is the 12th of August, and the Islamabad MOU said that the parties would be speaking in 60 days. There will be a 60-day truce. Going by that timeline, the 60-day truce ends on the 17th of August. What is the status of the Islamabad MOU? Furthering Sophia’s question, are we expecting talks to take place by the 17th of August, after the 17th of August, or before the 17th of August? I mean, without going into the details of where it’s going to be, what is the status of the Islamabad MOU between the U.S. and Iran?

Spokesperson: As regards the status of the Islamabad MOU, we have already expressed our position that it is a signed agreement/MOU of understanding in the context of this ongoing crisis. The agreement MOU may not have been implemented, particularly in the context of the follow-up joint statement between Pakistan and Qatar. But whenever the parties exhaust the logic of escalation, and whenever the rationality for dialogue overcomes the logic of escalation: the template for peace is provided in the Islamabad MOU and the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Statement.

The 60-day deadline is approaching soon. We hope that when the intention to engage in dialogue is there, this deadline can always be extended. But even now, few days still remain. So, we are not closing the chapter. But we hope that even if the deadline is not implemented, an extension will eventually take place, and the parties will revert to dialogue. The template for follow-up dialogue exists there in the Islamabad MOU and the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Statement.

(Anwer Abbas, 24 News): Sir, in the past, it was observed that when the decision to send troops to Yemen was made, the matter was brought before Parliament and a discussion was held on it. Now that such a major joint defence agreement has been signed, was Parliament taken into confidence before signing it? What is the reason that, every time, such agreements are later ratified or endorsed in a Cabinet meeting, rather than taking Parliament into confidence before the agreement? What is the value of Parliament, sir?

(Abdullah Momand): As he mentioned regarding this Makkah Agreement, in the past, Pakistan paid the cost of such agreements because Parliament was bypassed. So, this is a very important agreement, but Parliament and the civilian leadership are missing. So, do you believe that this was the initiative of the civilian government?

Spokesperson: You know, in the Government of Pakistan’s Rules of Procedure, there is a certain procedure laid out for the signing of agreements and MOUs, and this power (to conclude agreement) is retained by the executive. I can tell you that all internal procedures were followed before the signing of this agreement, and all procedures in the follow-up to this agreement will be followed.

The Prime Minister is the signatory; he is the Leader of the House; he is the Leader of the National Assembly. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister is also the leader of the House and member of the Senate. So, there is no question of not taking any stakeholders into consultation. This is an agreement which is in accordance with the wishes of the people of Pakistan.

In response to Abdullah’s question, whose initiative it was: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister is on record, in his message to the nation on the 10th of August, as stating that, under the leadership of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, as well as with the support of the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defence Forces, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under his own leadership, this agreement was signed. So, I will very strongly dispel the notion that there has been any sort of fragmentation in our leadership or in our state institutions with respect to the signing of this agreement. Such notions should be dispelled by our media. This is all the more important in the context of the previous question on propaganda against this agreement emanating from our neighbouring country.

So, we should not harbour any misperceptions about this agreement. I can assure you that all internal processes in the run-up to this agreement i.e. the signing of this agreement, and in the follow-up to this agreement (signing of) were followed and are being followed in accordance with the Rules of Procedure of the Government of Pakistan.

(Mateen Haider): It’s a follow-up on this Middle East peace process. Previously, Anas and other colleagues asked what exactly the status of the peace process was, and Iran says it is in talks with Oman, not with the United States of America. Pakistan is a mediator. If there are talks between Iran and Oman on the Strait of Hormuz, what is the update? The Iranian Supreme Leader did make a huge shake-up in its national security and military team. So, there is a new commander of the IRGC who said the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. So, if this is the statement—the Strait of Hormuz remains closed by the Iranian military chief—what is the status of talks? Pakistan is a mediator, so you said soon there will be some positive development, and whenever there are developments, then the Islamabad MOU could be revived. But that MOU revival is linked with progress in the talks. So, would you kindly update us on what the progress is in the Oman-Iran talks, where Pakistan is also on board?

Spokesperson: The fact is that there are talks going on between Oman and Iran, and, you know, brotherly countries are supporting them. I saw a statement in support by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar. We have also supported it. An agreement on the Strait of Hormuz is very important, as it will catalyse the larger agreement and implementation of the peace process agreed in Burgenstock. So, we all look for an amicable settlement of the ongoing standoff on the Strait of Hormuz as a catalyst for future progress in peace process. This is extremely important that the brotherly countries are engaged and are supportive of it. The larger peace process, the direct talks or the technical-level talks is stalled, but we hope that it will resume soon.

I was asked about optimism on this, so obviously there is a degree of optimism. We understand the challenges are mindful of the spoilers in that context. You would have noticed that I referred to this in my opening remarks that Pakistan will continue to offset spoilers using direct and indirect channels, and that we enable the continuation of constructive dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues.

Finally, you asked me about the change in the military leadership in Iran – this is Iran’s internal matter and its own sovereign decision. No comments. 

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): A British national Kashmiri was shot dead in AJK, and an international media outlet reported that the gentleman was killed in clashes between the armed forces and the protesters. Has the British High Commission contacted you? Number one. Number two, a group of U.S. lawmakers have written a letter to the U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, regarding the health of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, and they are urging and seeking an independent body to look into their well-being. Has the U.S. Government contacted you or not?

Spokesperson: I am not aware of any contact on either of these issues. I can check the details and let you know.

(Kiran Butt, The Khorasan Diary): Sir, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian recently said that Afghanistan and Pakistan cooperated with Iran during the recent conflict to prevent foreign elements from entering Iranian territory. Can you please elaborate on this cooperation, if you have any details?

Spokesperson: I have not seen this particular statement. I can tell you that Pakistan ensures effective border controls on all our international borders, the Line of Control, working boundaries including with respect to Iran as well. So, obviously, we do not allow any violation of the border rules. Border permeability is strictly in accordance with the visa regime and agreements.

While I do not exactly know what was the content or context of the statement by His Excellency the President of Iran, we ensure effective border controls. If the President of Iran has said so, we obviously welcome and thank him for this statement.

(Syeda Qurat ul Ain, Independent Urdu): What is your response to Netanyahu’s recent remarks made this week that no Palestinian state will be allowed to exist, and his rejection of the withdrawal plan from Gaza and of moving to Phase Two of the Peace Board Plan?

Spokesperson: We have seen the Israeli reaction in general, though not particularly the statement by the Prime Minister that you mentioned. This (refusal of Gaza withdrawal) would be a serious setback to the decision taken at the Board of Peace, because the disarmament of Hamas and the evacuation of Gaza by Israeli troops were twin commitments. We hope that Israel will abide by its commitments.

And as regards the State of Palestine, this is in accordance with international law and UN resolutions. Palestinian statehood has an established international legality. Remark to the contrary to this established international legality means nothing. These are his (Israeli PM’s) views, which we emphatically reject.

(Muhammad Anas Ahsan Mallick, Asia One News): Something related to your other job on ACDIS. What do you have to say? What does Pakistan have to say about the U.S.-Saudi Arabia civil nuclear deal? We haven’t seen any comments being made.

Spokesperson: We are examining the deal. Countries are entitled to civil nuclear programmes under international safeguards. We respect and support Saudi Arabia’s right to civil nuclear energy. 

(Mateen Haider): Excellency, a news report flashed across global media and newspapers. The U.S. claimed that there was a plot by Iran to assassinate the U.S. President, which is why, while returning from Turkey, instead of travelling on U.S. Air Force One, he travelled on a catering plane while returning from Turkey. So, this news has been flashed all over. Since Pakistan enjoys very good ties and very good relations with both Iran and the United States, any comments, if possible?

Spokesperson: I have no comment to make. I have seen the reports. We are not obliged to make a comment on every incident or development.

Thank you very much.

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