Ladies and Gentlemen, Assalam-o-Alaikum,

I welcome you all to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Visit of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Pakistan

Yesterday, you all covered the visit of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H.E. Dr Masoud Pezeshkian to Pakistan Invited by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Iranian President was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including the Foreign Minister.

During the visit, President Pezeshkian met the President of Pakistan and held talks with the Prime Minister. The Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defence Forces also called on the Iranian President. 

In formal delegation level talks between the visiting President and our Prime Minister, the two sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explored new avenues to further deepen cooperation across diverse sectors, including trade, energy, border security, people-to-people exchanges, and regional connectivity.

Ongoing Peace Process following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, as well as regional and international developments of mutual interest were also discussed.

On 18 June, the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the historic “Islamabad MoU' was electronically signed between the United States of America and Iran. 

As a follow up to the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, Pakistan hosted the first High-Level Committee Meeting under its framework in Burgenstock, Switzerland along with Qatar on 21 June. 

The Talks were attended by Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and the Chief of Army Staff & the Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir from Pakistan. US Vice President H.E. J D Vance and Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, H.E. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf headed respective delegations from the US and Iran. Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Bin Addul Rehman Bin Jasim Al-Thani led the Qatari delegation. 

The meeting was successful in helping the two parties reach an understanding on various aspects of implementation of the Islmabad MoU. 

The First High-Level Committee Meeting concluded with issuance of a joint statement by Pakistan and Qatar as mediators.

In the Joint Statement, Pakistan and Qatar had laid out certain steps in the follow-up of the Islamabad MoU. 

o    One, establishing a High Level Committee for political oversight on the mediation.

o    Two, Chief negotiators will report regularly to the High Level Committee and lead working groups focused on nuclear, sanctions, and a monitoring and dispute resolution group – for effective implementation of the MoU, and on other matters.

o    Three, agreement upon a roadmap towards reaching the final deal in 60 days.
 
o    Four, forming a communication line between the parties to avoid incidents and miscommunication with the aim of safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. 

o    Five, creation of a de-confliction cell, between the parties, the Lebanese Republic and facilitated by the Mediators

As agreed in the Joint Statement, a Technical-Level meeting was also held between the parties in Burgenstock on 22 June, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar.

In their meeting capacity as mediators, technical teams from Pakistan and Qatar will continue to remain engaged with technical teams from the US and Iran in the coming weeks for effective implementation of the Islamabad MoU.

The Islamabad MoU and the Lucerne Summit reinforce our faith in dialogue and diplomacy as the most effective means for the peaceful settlement of disputes and conflicts. We welcome the positive recognition and encouraging remarks from various countries, partners, and members of the international community regarding Pakistan's constructive role in promoting regional peace, dialogue, and de-escalation efforts. Such recognition reflects the international community's trust in Pakistan's commitment to advancing dialogue, peace, security, and stability across the region and beyond.

Pakistan extends its sincere appreciation to all countries and partners that have expressed support for these efforts.

At this juncture, we also wish to acknowledge the responsible and constructive role played by Pakistan's media throughout this process. Pakistan's media demonstrated professionalism and maturity by respecting the strict requirements of confidentiality, discretion, and trust that are indispensable to any credible facilitation or mediation effort. The media's restraint in avoiding speculation and sensationalism contributed positively to an environment conducive to dialogue and confidence-building. This responsible conduct is both commendable and reflective of the media's broader commitment to serving the national interest while upholding the highest professional standards.

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Moving on to R-4:  On 21 June, the 4th Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the R-4 was held in Cairo. DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar led the Pakistan’s delegation. The meeting brought together the Foreign Ministers of Egypt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan whereby they reviewed progress on the Islamabad MoU and discussed regional developments and exchanged views on issues related to peace, security and stability. The R-4 states also issued a Joint Statement which was extensively covered. 

DPM/FM, together with Foreign Ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye made a joint call to H.E. Mr. Abdal Fattah El-Sissi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt. During the meeting, the DPM/FM conveyed warm greetings and best wishes of President, Prime Minister and Chief of Defence Forces of Pakistan to President El-Sisi. 

Prior to this, the DPM/FM continued his intensive diplomatic outreach through engagements with counterparts from a number of friendly countries. Let me briefly give a recount of these engagements.

•    On 12 and 13 June, the DPM/FM spoke with Swiss Foreign Minister

•    On 12 June, the DPM/FM held separate telephone conversations with Foreign Ministers of Turkiye and Egypt and EU High Representative/Vice President 

•    On 13 June, with the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

•    On 15 with the Foreign Ministers of Italy and Japan

•    On 16th June, with FM of China

•    On 17 June, the DPM/FM spoke again with Turkish and Egyptian Foreign Ministers.

•    On 18 June, the DPM/FM spoke with Foreign Ministers of Canada, Bahrain, Egypt, Azerbaijan and Turkiye 

•    On 19 and 20 June, the DPM/FM spoke with Foreign Ministers of Iran and Uzbekistan 

Following the hijacking of the oil tanker MT Honour 25 off the coast of Somalia, with 10 Pakistani nationals among the crew members held hostage, the Government of Pakistan launched sustained diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to secure their safe release.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has remained actively engaged with the Somali authorities at multiple levels. A team from the Embassy of Pakistan in Djibouti visited Somalia and held meetings with senior Somali officials and other relevant stakeholders. The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister spoke with Somalia's Foreign Minister, while senior officials of the Foreign Ministry separately engaged the Somali Ambassador to facilitate the hostages' release.

An inter-ministerial meeting was convened to coordinate the Government's response. It was decided to pursue negotiations and humanitarian channels as the primary means for securing the release of the seafarers, while maintaining close engagement with the families of the hostages. Pakistan is also exploring the assistance of friendly countries and relevant interlocutors to support ongoing efforts.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Embassy of Pakistan in Djibouti, continues to maintain regular contact with Somali authorities and other stakeholders and remains committed to securing the safe and early release of the Pakistani nationals.

Turning to the Palestinian issue, on 18 June 2026, Pakistan joined the Eight Islamic-Arab Countries in issuing a Joint Statement condemning in the strongest terms the continued and escalating violence against Palestinians in the Occupied West Bank, including recent attacks on the Grand Mosque in the village of Jiljilya and Al-Farouq Mosque in the village of Mazra'a al-Nubani, north of Ramallah. The signatories stressed that these attacks constitute a clear violation of the sanctity of places of worship and religious sites, international law, including international humanitarian law, and relevant United Nations resolutions.

This week, Pakistan facilitated the repatriation of 30 Iranian nationals, including eight Iranian fishermen rescued at sea by the British vessel MMA Valour after their boat ran aground, and 22 Iranian crew members from the vessel Lenore/Davina, which was recently interdicted by US authorities. Pakistan remains in close coordination with the Iranian, US, and UK authorities to ensure the safe transit and early return of these Iranian nationals to their homeland. Pakistan remains committed to humanitarian cooperation and to extending all possible assistance to our Iranian brothers and sisters.

On initiative of Pakistan and Denmark, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2823 this week, to strengthen accountability for crimes against UN peacekeepers. The initiative was co-sponsored by a record 153 UN Member States. Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, introduced the resolution in the Security Council. The resolution reaffirms that attacks on peacekeepers are unacceptable and may constitute war crimes, while calling for credible investigations, prosecutions, and accountability for perpetrators. It also mandates annual progress reports, recommendations to strengthen accountability mechanisms, and the appointment of a senior UN focal point, reflecting Pakistan’s leadership in enhancing the safety and effectiveness of UN peacekeeping operations.

With these remarks, I conclude my opening statement and would be pleased to take your questions.

*

(Mateen Haider, WE News):    Welcome back from your overseas trips. Question is, as you shared in detail about Swiss talks, Burgenstock talks, there are question is one with multiple layers and points number one is technical level talks are still on in Switzerland because both sides, Americans and Iranians, were forced to sit together to sort out technical details. Number one and number two, as you mentioned, that Prime Minister represented Pakistan, and in historic talks over there between Iranian and Americans, as follow-up of these talks, there was a joint communique in which certain measures were announced. So, in practical terms, since Pakistan is mediated, what type of relief have been given to Iranians from the American side? Are restrictions on oil say, lifted? What is the status of Strait of Hormuz? What is the status of economic sanctions on Iran? These were some of the three main demands by the Iranians.

(Muhammad Anas Ahsan Mallick, Asia One News):    The Iranian side said that the technical talks in Burgenstock, have ended with a breakthrough. Firstly, would you want to confirm that breakthrough or not? Number one, and number two, in the joint communique said that the technical talks would continue through the entirety of this week, the ongoing week. Now, the Iranian side is saying that the technical talks have ended. Would you want to comment on that?

Spokesperson:    Yes, the technical level talks are on. The joint communique, I think you are referring to the Joint Statement by Pakistan and Qatar – that Joint Statement spelled out five or six very concrete steps, particularly with respect to the three issues that you raised about Strait of Hormuz and sanctions, and so on. The Joint Statement mentions that the Chief negotiator will report regularly to the High Level Committee, and these negotiators will lead Working Groups focused on nuclear issues, sanctions and a monitoring and dispute resolution group. The pathway towards the sanctions relief, the pathway towards the freedom of movement in Strait of Hormuz exists. This is a process which has been initiated in Burgenstock. As we make progress, the news on the issues that you specifically highlighted will be coming forth. Right now, this is the start of the process, so obviously the positive results or the outcomes will be yielded as we move ahead in this process.

You also asked whether the Talks are still on. Talks are continuing. I believe that the Talks will resume next week, probably on Tuesday Talks are continuing, basically, this is a temporary gap, and it is not as such a break.

You asked, Anas, about Iranian statement on breakthrough. I have not seen that particular statement. The fact that the talks are continuing – the parties are on the table. This is a significant positive outcome. We certainly view it very positively. Our delegation was there in Burgenstock for the 22nd June talks. I understand that our delegation will also be there when the Talks resume next week. This in itself is a very positive development and can certainly be characterized as a breakthrough, although I am not sure which particular statement of Iranian side are you referring. So, what we have with us is not just the schedule of the Talks, but also the substance. This as I have said, is a significantly positive development.

(Muhammad Saleh Zafir, The News):    First, an observation that you acknowledge the role of media during your interaction with Iran and United States here, and at the same time, let me also remind that it was you and the administration which did not permit them to kite flying about the whole affair. That is the compliment from our side. My query sir, is that there was a BRICS NSS meeting in New Delhi, where Indian NSA Ajit Doval, who is notorious for bashing Pakistan, he apologized the role played by the interlocutors for this America Iran talks, but he refrained taking the names of Pakistan and Qatar, and expressed his cautious optimism about the end of this process, but my question is that while he was talking with the guest, he used a very obnoxious language, about the role Pakistan had been playing for the security of the region. I wish you have your valued comments.

Spokesperson:    I have not seen the particular statement of the Indian NSA that you are referring to. Use of foul language – well the Indian Foreign Minister has used it. So, if the NSA has said something, we will not be surprised.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News):    Couple of questions. You just talked about Hormuz, and I remember it was also one of the five initiatives spelled out by China and Pakistan before this MOU, that there should be free navigation. Now that Iran is insisting that necessarily the Hormuz has to be through the management of Iran, and yesterday the delegation also visited Oman for some kind of mechanism. So, what is the final status, whether Hormuz will remain as per pre-28th of February position, or we all accept the supremacy of the regional countries, Iran or Oman, on the Hormuz. My second question is that very strangely, when I heard yesterday the spokesman of Foreign Ministry of Iran, he almost indicted the neighboring countries when he said that some of the neighboring countries they imposed war on Iran, and we have noted that. So, how these upcoming threats to peace and security by these statements, or the feeling that they have? How this can be prevented, whether this R4 is the forum that will steer the force of peace and security in the region?

Spokesperson:    You've asked a number of questions in your one sentence, and this is again not surprising. On the final status of Hormuz, the Talks are going on. The blockade has been lifted. We hope that navigation will be easing as we move ahead progressively. Obviously, there were forces deployed from both sides for the blockade. There have been other assets there. I think the situation returning to the status quo ante will take time, not because of any lack of political will between the parties, but as an operational necessity.

As regard the future of the Strait of Hormuz, Pakistan has supported the restoration of status quo ante on the Strait of Hormuz. We have also supported GCC initiatives, any GCC initiative on this. We have taken note of the parlays, at least the press releases on the parlays, between Iran and Oman on this subject. We will support regional efforts, and with a spirit of regional ownership of this process, particularly the littoral states to the Gulf, as such.

As regards the R4 this the regional four countries, we have also supported a regional ownership to the regional problems. As such, R4 would obviously be supporting any regional solution to this issue, particularly with respect to respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity and, the natural maritime boundaries of the littoral state to the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. 

You asked about the statement by the Spokesperson; I am not sure what the context was. Perhaps he was giving a recount of what has happened in the past. Our focus is towards the future, and as far as we understand, there is a tremendous positivity about the future, not just with Pakistan, but also between Iran, US, and other relevant parties.

(Khalid Mehmood, Express News): Sir, after technical discussions, the President of Iran visited Pakistan yesterday. Iran Pakistan Gas Pipeline project is exposed to sanctions; there are issues of oil imports and other than that there is trade relation. Have these things been discussed yesterday on any level? And is Pakistan being allowed for trade and economic relations with Iran? 

(Tariq Aziz, 92 News): Similarly, Pakistan did not complete the Iran Pakistan Gas Pipeline project according to its agreement and there is $18 Arab fined been claimed on Pakistan. Has this been discussed? 

(Waseem Abbasi, Arab News): Sir, what was the concrete outcome of yesterday's visit? There was no announcement of new MOUs or agreement between Pakistan and Iran, so was there some concrete bilateral outcome of this visit?

(Mateen Haider, WE News):    Since number of sanctions are still intact on Iran, and yesterday wide-ranging issues were discussed between Pakistani and Iranian leadership, including strategic missile program, as well, about which Prime Minister later on deleted one of his tweets. So, is Pakistan talking to Iran at that highest level on strategic matters, taking American into confidence? Are Americans in the loop about these all matters which Pakistan and Iran are discussing. 

(Aijaz Ahmed, GNN News):    Sir, the sanctions on Iran are not only from American side but also from the United Nations. So, what is the progress regarding those sanctions? 

(Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Sir, in view of Iran Pakistan Gas Pipeline both sides had meetings in Tehran and Pakistan, in which an economic gateway was also discussed. Are there any plans on diplomatic front to bring forward such project? 

Spokesperson:    Let me try to answers together. The President of Iran visited Pakistan for about one day. He held three important meetings and a press stakeout. In such visits, the project specific cooperation, particularly with respect to economic projects, trade connectivity, is the subject of the delegation level talks in general. I understand that broad brush discussion on trade and economic issues was undertaken. This was the second visit of the Iranian President. If you recall, during the first visit, certain MoUs and agreements were finalized. Discussions this time were in the broad rubric of implementation and follow up of those earlier documents. 

I am not aware of whether the IP pipeline issue specifically as an agenda item came up for the discussion. Let me tell you that overall, progress on economic projects and opening up of Iran for economic and trade relations across the world will take place simultaneously with the relief of sanctions. These sanctions, as Mr. Aijaz mentioned, are not just the US sanctions, but also from others, most notably the EU. So, as these sanctions are lifted, the opportunities will open up. Broadly, the progress on these projects will hinge on the pace of the relief of sanctions. It is important to match the two. As you evaluate the progress on trade and connectivity issues between Pakistan and Iran, keep a tab on what is the progress on overall sanctions issues.

Wasim, you asked about the outcome of the visit. It was a historic visit. It was the first visit of the Iranian president after this war. So, it was of a considerable historical importance. The major outcome was the fact that the two sides realigned and reaffirmed their resolve to make progress on the peace and stability. Pakistan's role as mediator and facilitator of the talks was reaffirmed by Iran. We got the Iranian side once again repose their trust on us, to which we are grateful. So in that sense, the visit carried significant outcomes, in terms of its historic importance as well as its substance for the future relations of our two countries. 

As regards economic gateway question, my reply will be similar. We will make progress on these issues as progress on overall sanctions relief would happen – two processes will move in parallel, simultaneously. 

Finally, Mateen Sab, you asked about the strategic issues. Yes, strategic issues featured in overall discussion within the parameter and the follow-up of the Pakistan Qatar Joint Statement. Pakistan is taking part in the technical level Talks, where these issues are discussed. So, the strategic dimension is part of the agenda of the technical level talks. In the follow up of that agenda, if Pakistan and Iranian delegations undertake some discussions, that would be a natural corollary.

(Anwer Abbas, 24 News):    Sir, as per discussions between US and Iran, there is a condition that there will be ceasefire on all fronts, that's under discussion by and almost both the parties are agreed upon it. Is Palestine part of those fronts as mentioned in the condition, will there be a ceasefire in Palestine as well, alongside the southern Lebanon and other parts, and secondly, what is overtake on Hormuz? Do we consider it international waters, or as per international laws, as Iran is not signatory of UN clause 1982 and as per international laws, 200 nautical miles plus 16 nautical miles is sea border for every country, as per described by international law. So, what is our take on Hormuz? Do we consider it international waters, or do we consider it part of Iranian sea boundaries?

(Muhammad Anas Ahsan Mallick, Asia One News):    Yeah, a follow up on both the questions what Anwar asked, so with regards to the Lebanon ceasefire, Maco Rubio yesterday, when upon landing in Abu Dhabi, said that Lebanon ceasefire is separate from the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, and that's an entirely separate matter. How does Islamabad view this? Because it's in context of, in addition to that, US Secretary of State, again said that Strait of Hormuz are international waters, reiterating what Anwar's question is, what is Pakistan's position on the Strait of Hormuz? Is it international waters, is it Iranian territory, or jointly governed territory?

Spokesperson:    First of all, Anwar, let me answer your question on ceasefire in Palestine. Ceasefire in Lebanon has a reference. There is a reference to Lebanon in the Joint Statement by Pakistan and Qatar. As such, Lebanon is there. The situation of Lebanon is there. But I think you must distinguish between the ceasefire in Palestine and ceasefire with respect to Lebanon. In Palestine, there is no state against which the Israeli actions are taking place. So, what needs to be stopped in Palestine is actually the atrocities and the fire, which is unilaterally coming from Israel against the innocent Palestinians. This is the distinction between the two situations. Whereas the case of Lebanon – Lebanon is a member of the United Nations, an independent sovereign country. Any attack on it is a violation of the sovereignty of the State of Lebanon. In that sense, the ceasefire between the two sides, which are members of the United Nations, there is a certain level of parity between Israel and Lebanon, which is non-existent in case of Israel and Palestine. So, I think this is a very important distinction that should be kept in mind.

On legal status of Hormuz, there are a number of international legal interpretations, also depending on whether a country is a signatory to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). A country's position is determined by its international legal commitments. So, if a country is not a signatory to UNCLOS, its position is going to be significantly different from another country, which is a member of the UNCLOS. If you look at the parties to this conflict, they have different positions on the Strait of Hormuz and on UNCLOS. It is very difficult for Pakistan to characterize what is the legal position, of these parties or how do we view it? We view so it as an important maritime route, which is essential for global economic sustenance, for supply chains, for energy, energy market. Therefore, we wish it to remain free for navigation, and as it has been for years and decades. An important aspect is that the parties should uphold this freedom of navigation. If under international law, the littoral states are entitled certain benefits or have certain privileges with respect to the Strait of Hormuz, then let those be exercised, while ensuring free flow commerce and maritime traffic etc.

And as regards the ceasefire in Lebanon, I have not seen the statement of the US Vice President. If you look at the Joint Statement between Pakistan and Qatar, in follow up of the Islamabad MoU, there was a reference to a creation of a deconfliction cell between the parties and it also mentioned Lebanese Republic. So, I have this document to refer to.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV):    Let me clarify Mr. Mateen’s questions once again, as we didn't get any answer. Sir, I think you forgot it. So, why did Pakistan Prime Minister make a statement on ballistic missiles, and then had to revert, while at the same time some Iranian media were reporting and downgrading Pakistan roles, and after that, that news were deleted from their outlets too. Is there were any misunderstanding? Number first, number second, in MOU there is a clause that there will be $300 billion for Iran's reconstruction, but still, we are unclear who will be paying this money and from where it will come. So, can you clarify this? Thank you. And I have questions on Afghanistan, but I will ask afterwards.

Spokesperson:    First of all, I think the Prime Minister has very amply clarified it in his statement to the Iranian President during the initial part of delegation level talks covered by media. He also mentioned it during the press stakeout. I do not want to wish to add anything more to what the Prime Minister has very eloquently stated. This matter rests. I think it should not be blown. The Prime Minister was very specific. The Prime Minister's statement at the floor of the Parliament should be taken with the fact that he was referring to overall strategic program and of course, the missile program is not in part of the Islamabad MOU. I do not think that we should try to add more to it, particularly after the response of the Prime Minister. 

As regards the assets and the payments to be made – this is a subject which will be discussed in the technical level Talks. Islamabad MOU gave a heading. It is like a title that Islamabad MoU has suggested. Now it is up to the relevant parties to frame discussion on this subject and reach a conclusion. These details are a work in progress. Initially, I understand some discussion may have taken place in Burgenstock on the 22nd June meeting. We hope the progress will be made on these issues, but this is a work in progress. Islamabad MOU mentions if as a heading – the details will follow in the technical level talks.

(Tahir Khan, NNI): The world is appreciating Pakistan’s role in diplomacy as yourself also stated and given tremendous results. So, my question is that I have seen many statements especially of many Afghan leaders including Hamid Karzai, that Pakistan should apply the same formula of diplomacy on Afghanistan. Recently I’ve also read the statement of the former foreign minister of Afghanistan. So, despite having concerns with Afghanistan as you have stated and many people have agreed to that, can Pakistan use the formula of Diplomacy on Afghanistan and drive towards peace with Afghanistan?

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): Sir, I have two questions regarding Afghanistan. Number first, that Taliban traveled to Brussels and had technical level talks, so I wish to have your comment on it, and number second, that there are some reports that Taliban’s Supreme Leader have approved a new elite military unit and tasked them to secure Afghan border along with Pakistan, and this will consist of, I think, 8000 security personnel. So, your comment on this, how does Pakistan see this program?

Spokesperson: Tahir Sahib you have asked a very important question about Pakistan pursuing active diplomacy with Afghanistan. I wish to remind you that between August 2021 and around July to October 2025, we did follow this route of diplomacy. We had high-level visits from here. Our Deputy Prime Minister visited twice. Roadmap for progress in bilateral relations, particularly bilateral economic trade, connectivity, education – all these issues were discussed. Pakistan implemented most of its pledges with respect to Afghanistan on these issues, particularly in 2025 March, April, and onwards, when Deputy Prime Minister visited Afghanistan. DPM/FM personally intervened on many of these issues to get the things done. Pakistan has not left any avenue unexplored with respect to pursuing diplomacy with Afghanistan. However, in October 25 and events running up to that, the security situation, crossed a certain threshold of Pakistan's patience. Afterwards, it was not possible for Pakistan to just let the diplomacy work and not care for our security, and for protection of our civilians and law enforcement personnels, who were incessantly murdered by terrorist attacks emanating from Afghanistan, conducted by Afghan nationals, engineered from the Afghan soil. If the diplomacy has to restart, how some concrete, verifiable commitments from Afghan side are essential to restore confidence and to ensure that the Afghan soil will not be used for attacks against Pakistan and for killing Pakistan nationals by the Afghan nationals, or any other third country, second country nationals who are killing Pakistanis from Afghanistan. This killing must stop. We have not taken any action against Afghan people. Our actions are just to protect our people, and we will continue to take measures to protect our people and take actions under the right to self-defense. 

If diplomacy is to be restarted, the initial starting point is a verifiable assurance from Afghanistan that their soil will not be used against Pakistan. As I have said before, Afghan brother, Afghan people are our brothers and sisters. We have had historic, cultural, linguistic, ethnic relations with them. We have nothing against them. We wish them well. It is just one sticking issue, and one major point, which the Afghan Taliban administration needs to address. 

As regards the delegation of Taliban to Brussels, they can go anywhere, I mean, this is not something that concerns us much. I am not aware of what happened between them and the Belgian or the EU sides in Brussels.

 On the question of Afghan troops or forces raised for the border: Pakistan and Afghanistan have a very well demarcated international border. Afghan side needs to respect that border – whether they do so with additional 8000 troops or with their existing strength, this is up to them. They need to respect the sanctity of our common international border, and this is more important for us.

(Azaz Syed, GEO News):    Sir, one question is related to Afghanistan, the other one is related to the peace agreement, which we initiated as a mediator. Sir, China has initiated a peace between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and some sessions also held. What is the latest situation about that? What is the latest status about that? Second question is about the peace deed which we have mediated between Iran and America, so three countries, UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain, during this conflict, they maintained a very different position, not only maintained, rather they demonstrated their strong alliance with the United States and Israel. As a mediator, what is a strategy, whether we are talking to these countries separately about the peace process, which we are mediating, or we are depending on America, as America is their ally?

Spokesperson:    On the first part of your question about China: there was one meeting in Urumqi, China – I am not aware of any next meeting planned. Pakistan and China have maintained close cooperation on Afghanistan. The Chinese Special Envoy Yue Xiaoyang was in Pakistan a few weeks ago and held important discussions. We are carrying forward this discussion. We acknowledge the positive role by China in the issues of regional security, including with respect to Afghanistan. So, we will continue to cooperate with China and work together on how their positive interventions unfold in the region. Pakistan and China face common threats from Afghanistan. Pakistan faces the threat of TTP and other terrorist elements. China is threatened by ETIM, which is a designated terrorist organization. So, Pakistan's cooperation with China on Afghanistan, continue. 

On US-Iran peace deal: and you specifically mentioned Kuwait, Bahrain, and UAE. Pakistan has maintained a very legal and principled position with respect to the attacks on these three countries, we categorically condemned these attacks, and expressed full solidarity with our brothers and sisters in UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Our leadership is engaged with these three countries. There have been numerous telephone conversations at the level of the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, which I have been elaborating.  I understand there have been some good bilateral discussions with between these countries and Iran too. There was a high-level exchanges between Iran and Kuwait, for example. These are welcoming developments. Pakistan will take our all our allies and partners, including UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain, into confidence as we move forward. Our channels of communication will remain open, and we will continue to facilitate a peace that benefits the region, which includes these three countries.

(Aijaz Ahmed, GNN News):    I want to ask two things regarding the ongoing technical talks between America and Iran. Firstly, what will be the level of Pakistan's representation here in the next round? Secondly, will these technical talks ultimately take the shape of a final agreement, and after that agreement, what will be Pakistan's role in implementing it in the future?

Spokesperson:    At the 22nd June technical level Talks Pakistan was represented by our Special Secretary, head of United Nations & OIC Division, Ambassador Nabeel Munir. I understand Ambassador Nabeel Munir will continue to represent Pakistan for now.

As regards future of the Talks, we will see, it is too early to say, how will the future look like or what will be the implementation mechanisms? So, let us take things as they emerge. For now, we focus on the technical level Talks and the positive outcomes. During the course of discussions, some implementation mechanisms will be worked out by the parties concerned.

(Saifullah, Khyber News):    Sir, if we look at the issues involving Iran, America, and Israel—which were more significant compared to Afghanistan and Pakistan, especially with factors like uranium and various other elements involved—why can we not pressurize or convince Afghanistan to abandon these groups? Secondly, have we now abandoned the Afghanistan issue? Will we attack or take action against them if something happens from that side? Or are there still efforts being made on our part, or have we completely ended them?

Spokesperson:    I think I have answered on the topic. Afghanistan remains a priority. May be because of the overcrowding of news from Iran-US theater, Afghanistan has been somewhat in a back burner for media, but our engagement on this issue is continuing. The situation between Iran, US, and Israel is significantly different from what is between Pakistan and Afghanistan. This is an issue of terrorism emanating from the soil of Afghanistan, hitting Pakistan. As I said, it has a simple solution, which is that Afghan side uphold their commitments under International Law and under Doha process and behave like a state with complete charge of their territorial jurisdictions with a view to ensuring that their territory is not used for attacks against Pakistan. If such verifiable assurances can be provided, diplomacy has very bright prospects between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

(Salman Ali, BOL TV): Sir, I have two questions. First, regarding the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Islamabad, there is a mention of a mechanism established concerning Lebanon. Could you please clarify if Pakistan is participating in it? If so, at what level? The second question is regarding Iran; at what level will Pakistan be represented at the funeral prayers and burial of Iran's Supreme Leader, and what is the current situation regarding that?

Spokesperson:    On Lebanon. I refer you again to the Joint Statement between Pakistan and Qatar. So, there will be a creation of a de-confliction cell between the parties, the Lebanese Republic facilitated by mediators, that is, Pakistan and Qatar. So, if you read the statement carefully, you will find the answer. 
Secondly, on the funeral (Namaz-e-Janaza) of the Iranian Supreme Leader, I am not aware of a final decision as yet. We will come up with a decision and announce it in due course.

(Muhammad Saleh Zafir, The News):    Sir Prime Minister yesterday announced that he would be visiting Iran next week. I wish, no, that has the visit been worked out, and schedule has been worked out, and what would be the agenda of his visit? Why? I have another query about the same subject. The presidency yesterday hinted that president would like to go to Tehran for his participation for the funeral. What was the position of Pakistan? Is the president going, or somebody else is going? Are both going? What is it?

Spokesperson:    When a final decision is taken, we will inform you. As is the practice, we will issue a press release on this matter before the visit to inform you not just about the level and also about what is to be discussed or to be undertaken during the visit. We will work out details based on instructions from the Prime Minister's office. The Foreign Office may have received instructions already, and the work will be in progress. We'll announce it in due course.

(Mateen Haider, WE News):    As broadly it is said, Iranian President came to Pakistan to thank the Tashakur Pakistan, but in addition to this, we heard that he delivered a special message from Supreme Leader. What was that message? Would you like to share that what Iran actually wanted from Pakistan? What is that secret communication or message?

Spokesperson:    I’m not aware of this.