By Nayyer Khawaja
Islamabad- Pakistan has strongly condemned provocative remarks by India’s Defence Minister threatening aggression against Pakistan, describing them as a reflection of India’s hegemonistic mindset and a serious risk to regional peace and stability. Foreign Office Spokesperson Sajjad Haider, during the weekly press briefing, recalled Pakistan’s response to Indian military aggression in May last year, saying Pakistan had demonstrated its capability and resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He warned that any future aggression would be met with a forceful response and urged India to abandon its belligerent posture and dangerous rhetoric.
Pakistan Seeks Expanded Legal Migration Opportunities with EU
Pakistan has reported a 64 per cent decline in irregular migration to Europe over the past 18 months, according to European Union figures. The spokesperson attributed the progress to improved border management, stronger institutional capacity, action against human smuggling and human trafficking, and enhanced international cooperation. He said Pakistan was seeking greater opportunities for safe, orderly and legal migration for skilled workers through the Pakistan-EU Migration and Mobility Dialogue launched in November 2022. Pakistan aims to develop a mutually beneficial labour mobility mechanism to address European labour shortages while providing legal employment opportunities for Pakistanis.
Foreign Office Digitizes Attestation and Apostille Services
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is introducing digital reforms to make document attestation and Apostille services faster, more transparent and accessible to the public. The spokesperson said e-attestation had been launched through the ministry’s online portal, while the transition to e-Apostille was underway. The reforms include online applications, electronic payments, digital verification and electronic certificates. Eligible applicants may also be exempted from appearing in person, subject to prescribed safeguards, particularly benefiting overseas Pakistanis. An inquiry committee investigating alleged irregularities in attestation services is continuing its work, and its findings will be announced after the inquiry is completed.
Pakistan Reaffirms Internationally Recognized Status of Jammu and Kashmir Dispute
Pakistan has reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally recognized disputed territory whose final status must be determined in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. The spokesperson declared India’s unilateral actions of August 5, 2019, illegal and void, saying they could not change the territory’s disputed status.
Pakistan Condemns Forced Displacement of Palestinians in West Bank
Pakistan has condemned the continued forced displacement of Palestinian refugees from the occupied West Bank and attempts to prevent their return, describing such actions as serious violations of international law and fundamental rights. The spokesperson urged the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to intervene, halt unlawful evictions, ensure the right of return and hold the occupying power accountable. Pakistan reiterated its support for an independent, viable and contiguous Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, and reaffirmed the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
Pakistan Calls for Dialogue to Resolve Yemen Conflict, Reaffirms Support for Saudi Security
Pakistan has called for dialogue, negotiations and a political settlement to resolve the conflict involving Yemen, reiterating its support for Yemen’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and independence. The spokesperson said Pakistan remained committed to de-escalation and peaceful regional dispute resolution. At the same time, Pakistan strongly condemned attacks against Saudi Arabia, including strikes targeting civilian and economic infrastructure and threats to commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security and welcomed regional and international efforts to restore peace.
One Pakistani Killed, Six Injured in Riyadh Airport Attack
Pakistan has confirmed that one Pakistani national was killed and six others were injured at Riyadh International Airport amid reported attacks. The spokesperson said the injured were receiving treatment at different locations in Riyadh and that Pakistan’s diplomatic mission was in contact with the affected individuals and their families. The development has raised concerns about the safety of Pakistani nationals amid escalating regional tensions.
Pakistan Says Constitutional Measures in KP Are Internal Matter
Pakistan has described federal government measures concerning Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the reported imposition of emergency measures and Governor’s Rule, as an internal constitutional matter. The spokesperson said he was unaware of any foreign government formally approaching Islamabad to criticize the measures. He added that maintaining peace and stability was a primary responsibility of the government and recommended that questions concerning the implementation of the measures be directed to the relevant ministries.
Pakistan Reaffirms Defence Commitments to Saudi Arabia
Pakistan has reiterated that it would fulfil its obligations under its bilateral defence agreement with Saudi Arabia and the trilateral security arrangement involving Türkiye. The spokesperson said Pakistan had repeatedly condemned attacks against the Kingdom and fully supported Saudi Arabia’s right to defend its sovereignty under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. He also confirmed that steps were being taken to establish the Makkah Alliance secretariat and that its secretary-general had been nominated and had assumed responsibilities.
Makkah Alliance Operational Arrangements Underway
Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to the Makkah Alliance involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, while clarifying that no specific deadline was announced for invoking the arrangement in practical military terms. The spokesperson said Pakistan’s government had taken the appropriate steps, but operational matters, including deployment and action on the ground, fell within the remit of the armed forces, the relevant military authorities and the alliance’s general secretariat in Riyadh.
Pakistan Declines to Comment on Allegations Against Iran
Pakistan has declined to comment on allegations that Iran continues to arm, train and support Yemen’s Houthi movement in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions. The spokesperson said Pakistan wanted peace and stability throughout the Middle East and West Asia and believed there was no solution through war. He stressed that lasting peace could only be achieved through negotiations and peaceful settlement of disputes.
Pakistan Says US Sanctions on Pakistani Businessman Are Matter for Concerned Government
Pakistan has said that allegations involving Pakistani businessman Wasim Pasha Tajammul and three associated companies, which were reportedly sanctioned by the United States over alleged procurement activities for Iran’s Defence Ministry, should be addressed by the government concerned under its laws. The spokesperson said he was not aware of further details and could not confirm whether the United States had contacted Pakistan regarding the matter.
Pakistan Defends Its Mediation Role Between Iran and United States
Pakistan has defended its diplomatic efforts to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the United States, describing Iran as a brotherly country whose leadership had appreciated Islamabad’s role in promoting regional peace. The spokesperson said Pakistan had played an important role at a critical time and continued working to ensure that mediation efforts produced positive results. He declined to verify reported remarks questioning Pakistan’s mediation, suggesting they might have been taken out of context.
Pakistan Seeks Information Before Commenting on Hijab Ban in Azerbaijan
Pakistan has declined to comment on reports of a ban on wearing the hijab in schools in Azerbaijan, with the spokesperson stating that he was not aware of the reported measure. He said he would not offer a position on the issue without sufficient information.
Pakistan Urges UN Action Over Human Rights Violations in Indian-Occupied Kashmir
Pakistan has expressed serious concern over ongoing security and human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including restrictions on religious practices, reported prevention of Friday prayers, property seizures and plans to establish additional military camps. The spokesperson said Pakistan had consistently raised the matter at international forums, including during the high-level segment of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. He called for an international response, an end to impunity for Indian security forces and respect for the fundamental rights of Kashmiris. Pakistan also welcomed the possibility of a new United Nations report reflecting conditions on the ground.
Pakistan Open to Russian Mediation on Afghanistan
Pakistan has expressed its willingness to consider sincere diplomatic initiatives by Russia and other friendly countries to ease tensions with Afghanistan. The spokesperson said Pakistan valued its engagement with Russia on Afghanistan and regional security but was not aware of any separate, formal Russian mediation initiative currently under discussion. He stressed that any initiative should produce meaningful and verifiable progress, particularly regarding Pakistan’s security concerns and regional stability.
Pakistan Rules Out Unconditional Talks with Afghan Taliban
Pakistan has clarified that any negotiations with the Afghan Taliban would not be unconditional. The spokesperson said Islamabad’s principal demand was the establishment of a verifiable mechanism ensuring the complete cessation of terrorist activities originating from Afghan soil against Pakistan. He noted that Pakistan had been represented at the recent Moscow Format meeting by its special representative for Afghanistan and its ambassador to Afghanistan. The absence of a joint communiqué, he said, reflected differences over the wording concerning the presence of terrorist networks in Afghanistan. Pakistan remains open to dialogue if the Taliban authorities take concrete and verifiable action against terrorist groups operating from their territory.
Pakistan Seeks Greater International Cooperation Against Terrorism
Pakistan has urged the international community to recognize the seriousness of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan and provide stronger cooperation in addressing the threat. The spokesperson said Pakistan had been sharing relevant information with international and bilateral partners and alleged that terrorist activity was linked in significant part to Afghanistan, with Indian proxies also accused of facilitating militant operations. He called for collective efforts to eliminate terrorism and promote peace, stability and security across the region.
Foreign Office Has No Information on Murad Saeed’s Reported Presence in Afghanistan
Pakistan’s Foreign Office has said it has no information confirming reports that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Murad Saeed is present in Afghanistan. The spokesperson declined to confirm or deny the reports, stating that the ministry did not possess relevant information.
Pakistan Invites Global Investment in Estimated $7 Trillion Mineral Reserves
Pakistan has invited international companies and governments to invest in its mineral resources, estimated to be worth approximately $7 trillion. The spokesperson said the country was working to attract investment from across the world and highlighted the Special Investment Facilitation Council as a mechanism to facilitate investors. He stressed that developing and exploring the country’s mineral reserves was essential to unlocking their economic potential and contributing to national development. Pakistan’s investment efforts, he added, were not limited to any single country.
Pakistan Calls for Diplomatic Solution to US-Iran Tensions
Pakistan has urged all countries to work together to reduce tensions between the United States and Iran and resolve disputes through diplomacy. The spokesperson warned that the closure or disruption of maritime routes could affect transportation, interrupt supplies and create wider regional consequences. Pakistan said it would support measures aimed at de-escalation, mutual understanding and the uninterrupted movement of goods.
Pakistan Keeps UN Secretary-General Election Preference Confidential
Pakistan has confirmed that nearly all six applicants for the position of United Nations secretary-general had visited the country and met its leadership. The spokesperson described the selection process as discreet and said internal procedures prevented Pakistan from disclosing its final voting preference. He did not provide an update on the status of Asif Merchant and several other Pakistanis reportedly held in the United States, saying he was not aware of their current circumstances.
Pakistan’s Position on Civilian Casualties in Yemen Not Elaborated
During the weekly press briefing, a question was raised about civilian deaths in Yemen attributed to Saudi airstrikes. The spokesperson did not provide a separate, detailed response to that specific allegation. Pakistan’s stated position elsewhere in the briefing emphasized the need for de-escalation, protection of regional stability, diplomatic engagement and a peaceful settlement of disputes.
