ISLAMABAD – Pakistan on Thursday reaffirmed its firm stance that its land and airspace will not be allowed to be used against Iran, the Foreign Office said during its weekly briefing.
Foreign Office Spokesperson stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from the Amir of Qatar, during which both leaders expressed satisfaction over bilateral relations and mutual cooperation.
Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also held a telephonic conversation with the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, focusing on bilateral ties.
The spokesperson added that Ishaq Dar spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss the prevailing situation in Iran.
He also held separate telephonic contacts with the foreign ministers of Myanmar and Indonesia’s minister for investment.
Responding to a question regarding reports of US visa restrictions, the spokesperson said Pakistan had taken note of the developments and was in contact with US authorities on the matter.
He said the United States was reviewing its visa policy and expressed hope that visas for Pakistan would be restored soon. The immigration-related development emerged late last night, and Pakistan was closely monitoring the situation.
The spokesperson further said that India was violating United Nations Security Council resolutions on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He reiterated Pakistan’s desire for smooth trade relations with the United States and clarified that Pakistan’s trade with Iran was in accordance with international laws. Pakistan, he added, remained in contact with both Iran and the US regarding trade matters, and all trade with other countries was being conducted within legal frameworks.
Expressing confidence in Iran, the spokesperson said Pakistan believed Iran would manage the situation with wisdom, foresight, and the strength of its ancient civilisation. He recalled Pakistan’s role in past negotiations on Iran’s nuclear issue and reiterated that Pakistan remained steadfast in its long-held position of not allowing its territory or airspace to be used against Iran.
On the Abraham Accords, the spokesperson said Pakistan’s benchmark remained the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.
He also informed that Pakistan was participating in the Gaza peace process through the group of Arab and Islamic countries.
Information regarding the announcement of the second phase of the Gaza peace process was received through social media.
Regarding the students abroad, the spokesperson said the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul was working on the issue of returning students from Afghanistan and that the matter was under review.
He added that a large number of Pakistani students stranded in Iran had already reached Gwadar, with the government facilitating their return.
The Pakistani Embassy in Iran also provided assistance to returning students.
According to the spokesperson, approximately 54 students returned from Iran on Wednesday while nearly two dozen had returned earlier.
Further details regarding additional returning students would be shared in due course.
