ISLAMABAD – Foreign Office has clarified that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir’s recent visit to Iran was not made on behalf of US President Donald Trump or the United States.
Speaking at a weekly briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the visit was part of Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the region.
He said CDF Munir held discussions with Iranian officials on ways to de-escalate regional tensions and pursue solutions through dialogue.
Andrabi said Pakistan was maintaining contacts with brotherly countries as part of its efforts to help ease tensions and address the wider crisis in the Middle East. He added that Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts were aimed at promoting regional peace and stability and facilitating the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian leaders, he said, had appreciated Pakistan’s role.
The spokesperson also rejected statements by Indian officials concerning an attack on Karana Hills, saying Pakistan’s strategic assets were completely secure. He stressed that Pakistan would not compromise on their protection and security.
Responding to Indian officials’ remarks, Andrabi described them as “Bollywood-style statements” and questioned the reason for issuing such comments 16 to 18 months after the alleged events.
Meanwhile, Andrabi said Pakistan had assumed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s chairmanship for one year and would host the SCO summit in Islamabad in 2027.
He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would participate in the SCO conference in Bishkek and hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines. The prime minister is also expected to meet Kyrgyz leadership during his visit.
