Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Thursday clarified that it is premature to view emerging cooperation among regional countries as a formal military alliance, while rejecting speculation about Islamabad being used to pressure Iran. At the weekly media briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir-Hossein Andrabi said that any comparison of a grouping involving Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey to a military bloc was unfounded.

He emphasized that ‘it is wrong to talk about putting pressure on Iran through Pakistan,” noting that Iran is a sovereign country with independent policies. The spokesperson added that Pakistan remains engaged diplomatically with multiple stakeholders, including the United States, European partners, and Gulf countries some of which also maintain relations with Israel.Providing updates on regional coordination, Andrabi said Iran has permitted two Pakistani ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz daily, although there is currently no fixed schedule for maritime movement.

 He further revealed that Iranian President Masoud Peshkian had expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while underscoring the importance of fostering trust to enable mediation efforts.  Andrabi also confirmed that the prime minister held a conversation with European Council President Antonio Costa on March 31.Highlighting broader diplomatic efforts, Andrabi said the jointly proposed Pakistan-China five-point framework had received positive feedback both regionally and internationally, including supportive remarks from US officials. He noted that the initiative is aimed at reducing tensions and promoting peace. 

On Afghanistan, the spokesperson said that Pakistani officials recently held working-level talks with Afghan counterparts in Urumqi, describing the engagement as a continuation of Pakistan’s consistent policy. He appreciated China’s role in facilitating dialogue on the Afghan issue.Reiterating Pakistan’s security concerns, Andrabi stressed the need for concrete assurances from Afghan authorities that their territory would not be used for terrorism against Pakistan. While acknowledging statements from the Afghan side, he said practical implementation remains essential.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)