By Khawaja Nayyer
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region, emphasizing that outstanding issues between Iran and the United States must be resolved through political dialogue and diplomacy rather than military confrontation.
Addressing the weekly press briefing on Friday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Sajjad Haider said Pakistan had extended all possible facilitation in its capacity as an honest mediator and would continue supporting diplomatic efforts to bring the two sides closer to a peaceful settlement.
He said Pakistan had played an important role in bringing Iran and the United States to the negotiating table after 47 years of limited direct engagement, culminating in the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The spokesperson said Pakistan would continue working with regional and international partners to promote peace, adding that negotiations and mediation could take time but remained the only viable way forward.
Commenting on reports of possible renewed military action against Iran and threats involving nuclear weapons, he described threats to use nuclear weapons against any country as a serious matter but declined to comment on speculation. He stressed that all countries should pursue their interests through negotiations and diplomacy.
He said Pakistan supported a peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue within the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and on terms mutually agreed upon by the concerned parties.
Pakistan rejects Afghan Taliban allegations, highlights terrorism threat
The Foreign Office spokesperson categorically rejected what he described as baseless allegations by the Afghan Taliban regime regarding civilian casualties during Pakistan’s counterterrorism operations.
He said disinformation and misleading narratives would not conceal the threat posed by terrorist networks operating from Afghan territory or absolve the Afghan Taliban regime of its responsibility to prevent Afghan soil from being used for attacks against Pakistan.
According to the spokesperson, terrorist attacks had resulted in more than 3,500 casualties, including over 1,400 martyrs in 2026 alone.
He said Pakistan had repeatedly sensitized its international partners, including the United Kingdom, about terrorism emanating from Afghanistan and the growing threat it posed to regional security.
Referring to recent discussions with the British Minister of State for Security, he said the issue had been raised during bilateral engagements as well as the Pakistan-UK counterterrorism consultations held in Islamabad.
He expressed confidence that international partners increasingly understood Pakistan’s security concerns.
Pakistan says no ban on pilgrims travelling to Iran and Iraq
Clarifying the situation regarding Pakistani pilgrims travelling through Iran to Iraq, the spokesperson said there was no ban imposed by Pakistan on pilgrims travelling through land borders.
He acknowledged that security concerns and clashes along the border during the previous week had disrupted the movement of pilgrims but maintained that individuals remained free to decide whether they wished to travel.
He said Pakistani authorities would also check the current status of cross-border trade with the Ministry of Commerce.
However, when asked about continuing disruptions to trade between Pakistan and Iran, the spokesperson said he had nothing further to add.
Pakistan says Iranian border trade situation under review
Responding to concerns raised by traders, transporters and businessmen regarding restrictions and disruptions at Pakistan-Iran border crossings, the spokesperson referred to coordination with the concerned authorities.
He did not provide a specific explanation for the reported trade disruptions, saying he had no further comments on the matter.
Pakistan monitoring developments concerning possible deportation of Afghans from US
Regarding reports that the Trump administration was considering deporting Afghan nationals through Pakistan, the spokesperson said the matter was under consideration.
He said Pakistan remained committed to close coordination with its allies and partners and would act in accordance with its international obligations and established protocols.
All relevant aspects were being examined in consultation with concerned stakeholders, and Pakistan hoped that a mutually agreeable way forward would be reached.
Pakistan says relations with US will remain strong regardless of political administration
The spokesperson said Pakistan maintained excellent relations with successive US administrations, irrespective of which political party was in power.
He said the United States remained an important partner for Pakistan in trade, investment, security, counterterrorism and investment in the minerals sector.
He added that Pakistan would continue diplomatic outreach and maintain cordial relations with Washington regardless of the outcome of American domestic political developments.
Pakistan says Israel among spoilers undermining regional peace
Responding to a question about forces allegedly seeking to undermine peace efforts between Iran and the United States, the spokesperson said Israel was among the countries whose actions were not conducive to regional peace.
He said Israel’s expansionist policies and actions against Iran, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon and other neighbouring countries were among the reasons behind the current instability in the region.
He added that there could be other spoilers but emphasized the need to protect diplomatic initiatives from actions that could derail peace efforts.
Pakistan highlights 180 votes in favour of UN arms control resolution
The Foreign Office spokesperson welcomed the adoption of Pakistan-sponsored resolution on Conventional Arms Control at Regional and Subregional Levels by the United Nations General Assembly’s First Committee with 180 votes in favour.
He said the overwhelming support reflected international recognition that regional peace and stability required restraint, balance and dialogue, with states maintaining their defence capabilities at the lowest possible levels of armaments and military forces.
He noted that India and Israel were the only two countries to vote against the resolution.
The spokesperson said their opposition raised questions about the sincerity of their commitments to international peace and arms control.
He warned that growing cooperation between the two countries in advanced conventional weapons systems, delivery mechanisms and other military capabilities was contributing to strategic instability in South Asia.
Pakistan, he said, would continue advocating non-discriminatory arms control measures, confidence-building and strategic restraint to ensure equal and undiminished security for all countries.
Pakistan says Kartarpur Corridor remains open, urges India to allow Sikh pilgrims
The spokesperson reiterated that the Kartarpur Corridor remained open from Pakistan’s side and that India was responsible for the suspension of pilgrim movement through the facility.
He described the corridor as an important initiative by Pakistan that enabled Sikh pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur without a visa.
He said Pakistan had invested billions of rupees in developing the corridor and establishing transport, guidance and other facilities for pilgrims.
He questioned India’s decision to allow thousands of Sikh pilgrims to cross through Wagah while continuing to restrict daily visits to Kartarpur, located just five kilometres inside Pakistan.
He said Pakistan remained ready to facilitate Sikh pilgrims as soon as India lifted the restrictions.
The spokesperson also highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to preserve religious heritage, including Buddhist sites in Taxila and Takht-i-Bahi, and said a special task force had been established for their protection and promotion.
He added that Pakistan had issued 9,318 visas to Indian religious pilgrims in 2025, including 9,070 Sikh and 248 Hindu pilgrims. A further 4,002 visas had been issued to Sikh pilgrims during the first half of 2026.
Preparations were also underway to welcome pilgrims for the 557th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji at Nankana Sahib later this month.
Pakistan willing to issue visa to Indian Punjab Chief Minister
The spokesperson said Pakistan would consider issuing a visa to the Chief Minister of Indian Punjab if he wished to visit Pakistan.
He clarified that whether the Indian government would permit him to travel was a separate matter.
He said Pakistan supported freedom of religious practice and believed that people should be allowed to visit their religious sites anywhere in the world.
He also confirmed that Pakistan had not imposed a visa ban on Indian nationals and continued issuing visas to Hindu and Sikh pilgrims under the 1974 Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines.
Pakistan confirms Iran consultations by Makkah Defence Alliance members
The spokesperson said the recent visit of Makkah Alliance for Defence members to Iran and their consultations demonstrated that the alliance was not directed against any particular country.
He recalled that questions had previously been raised about whether the defensive alliance was intended to target Iran, but Pakistan had clarified that it was not directed against any country.
He said the three member countries had agreed to maintain contacts and continue engagement with Iran.
Further meetings were expected in due course, although no dates or locations had been finalized.
Regarding the alliance’s expansion and operationalisation, he said decisions would be taken mutually by its three member countries.
He added that the alliance was still at an evolutionary stage and was undergoing formalisation, while its Secretary-General was expected to assume his position in Riyadh.
Pakistan says US extradition cases remain unchanged
Regarding the extradition requests concerning individuals wanted by Pakistan from the United Kingdom, the spokesperson said the status of the cases involving Adil Raja and Shahzad Akbar remained unchanged from the previous year.
He said the British government had raised the matter previously, but it was not discussed during the recent visit of the British Minister of State for Security to Pakistan.
Pakistan says ECO Interior Ministers’ meeting postponed due to regional situation
The spokesperson said the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Interior Ministers’ meeting, scheduled for October 29-30, had been postponed because of the prevailing geopolitical and security situation in the region.
He explained that several flights had been cancelled, making it difficult to proceed with the meeting.
He said new dates were being worked out, but no confirmed schedule was available yet.
Pakistan confirms LNG carrier incident near Strait of Hormuz
The spokesperson confirmed that the LNG carrier Al Maida, registered in the Marshall Islands and operated by QatarEnergy, was struck by projectiles while carrying liquefied natural gas destined for Karachi Port.
He said the incident occurred last Friday night as the vessel was travelling eastbound through the Persian Gulf in international waters.
The vessel was carrying 25 crew members from different countries, including Pakistanis. Fortunately, no one was injured.
He said the incident caused a small fire onboard, but all crew members remained safe and the vessel subsequently returned to Qatar.
The concerned Pakistani authorities were coordinating with relevant parties to establish further details.
Pakistan receives India’s invitation to SCO Cultural and Civilizational Dialogue
The spokesperson confirmed that Pakistan had received India’s invitation to participate in the SCO Cultural and Civilizational Dialogue scheduled for November 20-22 in New Delhi.
He said Pakistan believed in positive engagement at regional and international forums as a responsible member of the international community.
However, he clarified that the final decision regarding participation would be taken by the country’s leadership after completion of institutional deliberations and established procedures.
Pakistan says Trump played key role in regional de-escalation
The spokesperson defended the government’s decision to recommend US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, saying he had played an important role in de-escalating tensions between Pakistan and India during the conflict in April and May 2025.
He said the recommendation was made in recognition of Trump’s contribution to restoring peace and stability in the region.
Pakistan, UK discuss counterterrorism cooperation
The spokesperson said Pakistan and the United Kingdom had reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms during the annual Pakistan-UK Counterterrorism Dialogue held in Islamabad on November 4.
Both sides reviewed ongoing bilateral and multilateral cooperation and discussed regional security developments.
He said Pakistan continued to engage international partners to build a common understanding of the threat posed by terrorist networks operating from Afghanistan.
Pakistan reiterates commitment to religious freedom and preservation of heritage
The spokesperson said Pakistan remained committed to protecting religious sites and facilitating followers of different faiths.
He highlighted the country’s Buddhist heritage, including Taxila and Takht-i-Bahi, and the facilities provided to Sikh pilgrims through the Kartarpur Corridor.
He contrasted Pakistan’s approach with what he described as religious persecution in India, alleging that historic mosques were being demolished repeatedly.
He said Pakistan would continue preserving religious heritage and promoting religious tourism for communities with spiritual and historical connections to the country.
Pakistan reiterates support for diplomacy and regional stability
Concluding his remarks, the spokesperson emphasized that Pakistan’s foreign policy remained focused on constructive diplomacy, regional cooperation and peaceful resolution of disputes.
He said Pakistan would continue facilitating dialogue between conflicting parties and working with international partners to prevent further escalation in the region.
He stressed that peace and stability could only be achieved through diplomatic engagement, mutual understanding and respect for international law.
